Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale Ecological Appraisal
Genesis Homes Ltd
January 2018
Lakeland Business Park, Lamplugh Road, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0QT
Tel: 01900 898600
Email: [email protected]
www.wyg.com creative minds safe hands Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Document Control
Project: Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale Client: WYG Planning Job Number: A103748 File Origin: N:\Projects\Projects A103000\A103748 Kirkland Road, Ennerdale\REPORTS
Issue 1 ISSUE DATE FINAL
Alistair Blackshaw MCIEEM Prepared by: Senior Ecologist Penny Ward MCIEEM Checked By: Principal Ecologist
Rachel Kerr CEnv MCIEEM Verified By: Associate Ecologist
Rev: Date: Updated by: Verified by: Description of changes:
WYG Environment Planning Transport Ltd. accept no responsibility or liability for the use which is made of this document other than by the Client for the purpose for which it was originally commissioned and prepared.
Genesis Homes Ltd i January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Contents
Executive Summary ...... 1 Glossary ...... 4 1.0 Introduction ...... 5 1.1 Background ...... 5 1.2 Site Location ...... 5 1.3 Development Proposals ...... 5 1.4 Purpose of the Report ...... 5 2.0 Methodology ...... 6 2.1 Desk Study ...... 6 2.2 Field Surveys ...... 6 2.3 Limitations ...... 9 3.0 Baseline Conditions ...... 10 3.1 Designated Sites ...... 10 3.2 Habitats within the Site ...... 11 3.3 Off-site Habitats of Importance ...... 12 3.4 Protected & Notable Species ...... 12 3.5 Importance of Ecological Features...... 21 4.0 Relevant Planning Policy & Legislation ...... 23 4.1 National Planning Policy Framework ...... 23 4.2 Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife & ecosystem services ...... 23 4.3 Local Biodiversity Action Plan ...... 23 4.4 Local Plan for Copeland ...... 24 4.5 Legislation ...... 26 5.0 Discussion ...... 27 5.1 Designated Sites ...... 27 5.2 Habitats ...... 28 5.3 Protected & Notable Species ...... 30 5.4 Good Practice for Site Clearance ...... 34 5.5 Proposed Enhancements ...... 34 6.0 Summary & Recommendations ...... 36 6.1 Designated Sites ...... 36 6.2 Habitats ...... 36 6.3 Protected & Notable Species ...... 36 7.0 References ...... 38
FIGURES Figure 1 – Site Location Plan Figure 2 – Phase 1 Habitat Plan
Appendix A – Wildlife Legislation Appendix B – Desk Study Data
Genesis Homes Ltd ii January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Appendix C – Target Notes Appendix D – Landscape Scheme Details Appendix E – Planting for Wildlife
Genesis Homes Ltd iii January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Executive Summary
Contents Summary
Site Location North of Ennerdale Bridge, Cumbria (NY 070510 6160)
Proposals It is proposed to develop the site for residential use, to incorporate 11 residential properties, including landscape planting, comprising tree and hedgerow planting, and an access route from Kirkland Road.
Existing Site No existing survey reports or planning applications were available for the Information site at the time of writing.
Scope of this To identify any potential ecological constraints to the proposed Survey(s) development, assess any likely impacts on ecological aspects of the site, to make recommendations for further ecological survey work (if required), to propose recommendations for the avoidance and mitigation of any impacts and to identify opportunities for enhancement of the site where appropriate.
Results The following potential constraints to the development were identified during the survey: Designated sites: River Ehen SAC and SSSI 0.26km SW of the site and potentially indirectly connected via a culvert at the southern end of the site. Habitats of Principal Importance: Hedgerow (Hedgerow 1) present along eastern boundary of the site. Bats: Grassland of negligible to low suitability for foraging bats. Although Hedgerow 1 may provide a suitable commuting/foraging route. Two trees of ‘low’ roost suitability located at the southern end of Hedgerow 1. No buildings present. Red squirrel: Potential for red squirrel commuting and foraging along Hedgerow 1, no dreys present. Badger, Otter and Pine Marten: Limited potential for all species, most likely badger to occasionally move through the site. Nesting birds: Potential for nesting birds in the grassland and in Hedgerow 1. Common toad, hedgehog, polecat and brown hare: Potential foraging habitat for these species present within the site.
Recommendations Further Surveys None required
Mitigation/compensation Designated sites: Design of the drainage scheme to incorporate silt traps and oil interceptors to reduce the sediment and pollutant load of the surface water discharge to a level which would be highly unlikely to cause a significant negative effect on the
Genesis Homes Ltd 1 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
qualifying features of the River Ehen SAC and interest features of the SSSI; On-site treatment plant for foul sewage must meet water quality specified in EA Permit to discharge which will be defined to protect any risk of significant water quality effects on the receiving SAC watercourse, both in terms of alone contribution and in- combination effects with existing discharges to the River Ehen; and Limit discharges of treated and surface water drainage to normal greenfield rates. Designated sites and habitats: Develop a CEMP, covering mitigation measures and suitable working practices to protect retained habitats within the site and off-site habitats, including a species-rich road verge and hedgerow on the eastern side of Kirkland Road. Habitats: Translocation of section of Hedgerow 1 to be removed, with standard trees planted at each end of the translocated sections, to offset the creation of the site access and water treatment works maintenance access. Species-rich hedges with native standard trees of local provenance along the north-western and western boundaries of the site and surrounding the water treatment plant to be provided through the landscape scheme. Wildflower grassland edges to the water treatment plant to be provided through the landscape scheme. Bats: Mitigation for habitat loss/disturbance to be provided through measures detailed under habitats above. Tree 1 (‘low’ roost suitability) to be felled under reasonable avoidance measures. Tree 2 (‘low’ roost suitability) to be retained and protected during construction. Red squirrel: Mitigation to be provided through measures detailed under habitats above. Birds: Vegetation clearance and tree works to be avoided during the bird nesting season (March to September inclusive) or, if necessary, preceded by a search for nesting birds by a suitably qualified ecologist. Mitigation to be provided through measures detailed under habitats above.
Enhancements
Planting: Management of the retained and created hedgerows should aim to enhance their suitability for breeding birds and bats by reducing the cutting frequency and the planting up of any gaps with native species. Planting: Planting of new areas of soft landscaping with insect- attracting, native species of local provenance, wherever possible, to enhance the site’s ecology.
Genesis Homes Ltd 2 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Design: Any perimeter fences or garden fences to leave a 12cm gap at the base of the fence line to allow hedgehog access to the site.
Good Practice
Site Induction: It is recommended that contractors are briefed on the site’s ecological constraints during the standard site induction. The induction should include advice on good practice regarding the above ecological issues in advance of any works commencing.
Genesis Homes Ltd 3 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Glossary
Badger Act Protection of Badgers Act 1994 BCT Bat Conservation Trust BoCC Bird(s) of Conservation Concern BTO British Trust for Ornithology CBDC Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan CEnv Chartered Environmentalist CIEEM Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management CRoW Act Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 EA Environment Agency EcIA Ecological Impact Assessment ECoW Ecological Clerk of Works EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EPS European Protected Species EPSL European Protected Species Licence GCN Great crested newt Habitats Regulations Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) HAP Habitat Action Plan Hedgerows Regulations Hedgerows Regulations 1997 HPI Habitat(s) of Principal Importance JNCC Join Nature Conservancy Council LERC Local Ecological Record Centre LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan LNR Local Nature Reserve LPA Local Planning Authority LWS Local Wildlife Site MCIEEM Member of Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management Natura 2000 site A European site designated for its nature conservation value NE Natural England NERC Act Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 NNR National Nature Reserve NPPF National Planning Policy Framework PEA Preliminary Ecological Appraisal RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SAC Special Area of Conservation SAP Species Action Plan SNCO Statutory Nature Conservation Organisations SPA Special Protection Area SPI Species of Principal Importance SSSI Site(s) of Special Scientific Interest W&CA Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
Genesis Homes Ltd 4 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background
WYG was commissioned by WYG Planning in August 2017 to undertake an Ecological Appraisal of the site known as Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale.
This report has been prepared by WYG Senior Ecologist, Alistair Blackshaw MCIEEM.
1.2 Site Location
The site is located to the north of Ennerdale Bridge in Cumbria and is centred at Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference NY 070510 6160. The survey area, hereafter referred to as the ‘site’, is shown on Figure 1 and comprises 1.37 ha of a larger field located between Kirkland Road and the access track to Stockhow Hall.
The field comprises damp acid grassland with wet seepages down the centre of the site and at the eastern edge. The site is bounded to the east by a hedgerow, to the south by the gardens of a residential property and to the west by a fence adjacent to the track to Stockhow Hall. There is no physical boundary to the northern edge of the site.
1.3 Development Proposals
It is proposed to develop the site for residential use, to incorporate 11 residential properties, including landscape planting, comprising tree and hedgerow planting, and an access route from Kirkland Road.
1.4 Purpose of the Report
The objectives of this is assessment are to carry-out:
A desk study to obtain existing information on statutory and non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest and relevant records of protected/notable species within the site and its zone of influence; A preliminary ecological appraisal involving a walkover of the site to record habitat types and dominant vegetation, including any invasive species, and a reconnaissance survey for evidence of protected fauna or habitats capable of supporting such species; and An assessment of the potential ecological receptors present on site, any constraints they pose to future development and any recommendations for any further surveys, avoidance, mitigation or enhancement measures that are needed (as appropriate).
Genesis Homes Ltd 5 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
2.0 Methodology 2.1 Desk Study
2.1.1 Previous Reports The following ecological reports have been prepared for the site:
Land at Kirkland Road, Ennerdale Bridge - Tree and Hedge Report (Elliot Environmental Surveyors 2018).
2.1.2 Local Ecological Records Centre Information was requested from the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre (CBDC) for information on any nature conservation designations and protected or notable species records within 2 km of the site.
The data search covers:
Non-statutory designated sites for nature conservation, namely County Wildlife Sites (CWS), Local Geological Sites (LGS) and Special Roadside Verges (SRV); Legally protected species, such as great crested newts, bats and badger; and Priority habitats or species within the Cumbria LBAP.
The data search did not cover:
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs); or Conservation Areas designated for their special architectural and historic interest.
2.1.3 Online Resources A search for relevant information was also made on the following websites:
Statutory designated sites for nature conservation, namely SACs, SPAs, Ramsar sites, SSSIs, NNRs and LNRs; Notable habitats and species, such as those listed as Habitats of Principal Importance (HPI) or Species of Principal Importance (SPI); and MAGIC www.magic.gov.uk - DEFRA’s interactive, web-based database for statutory designations and information on any EPSML applications that have been granted in the local area since 2015.
2.2 Field Surveys
The following methodologies have been used to identify the ecological receptors present on or near the site, which are relevant to the proposed development.
2.2.1 Habitats An extended Phase 1 habitat survey was undertaken on the site on 11th August 2017 by WYG Senior Ecologist, Alistair Blackshaw MCIEEM. The weather conditions were sunny, with a light breeze and a temperature of around 17◦C.
Genesis Homes Ltd 6 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
The vegetation and broad habitat types within the site were noted during the survey in accordance with the categories specified for a Phase 1 Vegetation and Habitat Survey (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2010). Dominant plant species were recorded for each habitat present using nomenclature according to Stace (2010). The site was also appraised for its suitability to support notable flora, with regard to the CIEEM Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (2013).
2.2.2 Protected & Notable Species The site was inspected for evidence of, and its potential to support, protected or notable species, especially those listed under the Schedule 2 of the Habitat Regulations, Schedule 5 of the W&CA, the CRoW Act, those given extra protection under the NERC Act, and species included in the Cumbria LBAP.
Great Crested Newt The site was appraised for its suitability to support GCN. The assessment was based on Guidance outlined in the Joint Nature Conservation Committees’ published Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual (Gent & Gibson, 2003) and the Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook (Langton, Becket & Foster, 2001).
Bats
Roosting bats – Buildings/structures/trees Any suitable buildings, structures or trees on site were assessed from the ground for their suitability to support breeding, resting and hibernating bats using survey methods based on the BCT Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd ed, 2016) – hereafter referred to as the ‘BCT Guidelines’. The following system has therefore been used to categorise the bat roost suitability of any features found:
Table 1 Categories of Bat Roost Suitability (BCT Guidelines)
Suitability Typical Roosting Features
Negligible Negligible habitat feature on site likely to be used by roosting bats. Low A structure with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by individual bats opportunistically. However, these potential roost sites do not provide enough space, shelter, protection, appropriate conditions and/or suitable surrounding habitat to be used on a regular basis or by larger numbers of bats (i.e. unlikely to be suitable for maternity or hibernation). A tree of sufficient size and age to contain potential roost features but with none seen from the ground or features seen with only very limited roosting potential. Moderate A structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by bats due to their size, shelter, protection, conditions and surrounding habitat but unlikely to support a roost of high conservation status (with respect to roost type only – the assessments in this table are made irrespective of species conservation status, which is established after presence is confirmed). High A structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that are obviously suitable for use by larger numbers of bats on a more regular basis & potentially for longer periods of time due to their size, shelter, protection, conditions & surrounding habitat.
Genesis Homes Ltd 7 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Foraging/commuting bats The BCT Guidelines use the following criteria to categorise the potential value of habitats and features for use by foraging and commuting bats and these have been used to characterise the value of this site:
Table 2 Categories of Habitat Suitability (BCT Guidelines)
Suitability Typical Foraging & Commuting Features
Negligible Negligible habitat features on site likely to be used by commuting or foraging bats. Low Habitat that could be used by small numbers of commuting bats such as a gappy hedgerow or unvegetated stream, but isolated, i.e. not very well connected to the surrounding landscape by other habitat. Suitable, but isolated habitat that could be used by small numbers of foraging bats such as a lone tree (not in a parkland situation) or a patch of scrub. Moderate Continuous habitat connected to the wider landscape that could be used by bats for commuting such as lines of trees and scrub or linked back gardens. Habitat that is connected to the wider landscape that could be used by bats for foraging such as trees, scrub, grassland or water. High Continuous high-quality habitat that is well connected to the wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly by commuting bats such as river valleys, streams, hedgerows, lines of trees and woodland edge. High-quality habitat that is well connected to the wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly by foraging bats such as broadleaved woodland, tree-lined watercourses and grazed parkland. Site is close to and connected to known roosts.
Reptiles The site was appraised for its suitability to support reptiles. The assessment was based on guidance outlined in the Joint Nature Conservation Committees’ published Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual (Gent & Gibson, 2003).
Badgers The site was surveyed for evidence of badger setts or other badger activity such as paths, latrines or signs of foraging. Methodologies used and any setts recorded were classified according to published criteria (Harris, Cresswell & Jefferies, 1989).
Other Species The site was also appraised for its suitability to support other protected or notable fauna including mammals, amphibians, birds and invertebrates with regard to CIEEM’s Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (2013) and BS42020:2013 Biodiversity – Code of Practice for Planning and Development. Evidence of any current or historical presence of such species was recorded.
Genesis Homes Ltd 8 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
2.2.3 Invasive Species The site was searched for evidence of invasive plant species, such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, giant hogweed, wall cotoneaster and rhododendron – however see Appendix A for a full list.
2.3 Limitations
The optimal period to undertake an extended Phase 1 habitat survey is April-September. The survey was completed in August, which is inside the optimal survey window, and the site was fully accessible. As such this is not considered to be a limitation to the accurate assessment of the habitats and the dominant species of the respective vegetation types were visible and identifiable.
It was not possible to access a full 50m buffer around the site, to search for badger setts. However, habitats within the buffer could be observed from the boundaries and were considered to be unsuitable for sett building. These include residential gardens, adjacent to the southern and western boundaries of the site, and improved grassland, to the east of Kirkland Road. Restricted access to a 50m buffer around the site is therefore not considered to be a significant limitation to the survey.
To determine presence or likely absence of protected species usually requires multiple visits at suitable times of the year. As a result, this survey focuses on assessing the potential of the site to support species of note, which are considered to be of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity with reference to those given protection under UK or European wildlife legislation. This report cannot therefore be considered a comprehensive assessment of the ecological interest of the site. However, it does provide an assessment of the ecological interest present on the day the site was visited and highlights areas where further survey work may be recommended.
The details of this report will remain valid for a period of two years from the date of the survey, after which the validity of this assessment should be reviewed to determine whether further updates are necessary. Note that the recommendations within this report should be reviewed (and reassessed if necessary) should there be are any changes to the red line boundary or development proposals which this report was based on.
Genesis Homes Ltd 9 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
3.0 Baseline Conditions 3.1 Designated Sites
The following designated site of nature conservation importance have been identified within 2km of the site (Appendix B, Figure 1).
Table 3 Designated Sites within 2km of the Site
Distance Summary of Features Designation Site Name & Direction
SAC River Ehen 0.26km SW Freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera population SAC Lake District High Fells 1.96km SE Annex I upland habitats SSSI River Ehen (Ennerdale Water 0.26km SW Freshwater pearl mussel population to Keekle Confluence) SSSI (& High Leys 1.75km NW Mire and hay meadow communities NNR) SSSI Pillar and Ennerdale Fells 1.97km SE Upland vegetation communities SSSI Ennerdale 1.97km SE Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus and swamp, mire and woodland vegetation CWS Longmoor Head Meadow 0.62km W No information available CWS Long Moor 0.70km SW No information available CWS Far Moorend Pasture 0.94km SE No information available CWS Salter Wood 0.97km W No information available CWS Croasdale Wood 1.21km NE No information available CWS Dryhurst Meadows 1.32km SW No information available CWS River Ehen Meadows 1.45km W No information available CWS Stockhow Hall Quarry 1.48km N No information available CWS Hunterhow Mire 1.66km NE No information available CWS Rowrah Hall Quarry 1.94km NW No information available SRV B3 A2 (1A) 0.74km SW No information available SRV B3 C4 (1B) 0.78km SW No information available SRV B3 C4 (1A) 0.99km SW No information available SRV B3 A2 (2) 1.01km SE No information available SRV B3 A2 (1B) 1.24km SW No information available LGS Stockhow Hall Quarry 1.27km N No information available LGS Kelton Head Quarry 1.92km N No information available
Genesis Homes Ltd 10 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Distance Summary of Features Designation Site Name & Direction
LGS Kelton Felltop 1.97km SW No information available Key: CWS: County Wildlife Site SRV: Special Roadside Verge LGS: Local Geological Site
3.2 Habitats within the Site
The following habitats have been identified through our assessment and are shown in Figure 2. Target notes to Figure 2 are presented in Appendix C.
3.2.1 Hedgerows
Species-rich Hedgerow Elliot Environmental Surveyors (2018) assessed the eastern boundary hedge (Figure 2, Hedgerow 1) of the site in five sections, finding that H1 (northern section), H3 (middle section) and H5 (southern section) were ‘Important’ under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997.
Hedgerow 1 is approximately 160m in length, is present along the eastern boundary of the site. The dominant woody species is hazel Corylus avellana, with frequent ash Fraxinus excelsior, alder Alnus glutinosa, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and blackthorn Prunus spinosa and occasional holly Ilex aquifolium, grey willow Salix cinerea, European gorse Ulex europaeus and dog rose Rosa canina agg. Two semi-mature ash trees are present at the southern end of the hedgerow (Figure 2, Trees 1 and 2). The ground-flora of the hedgerow is limited by grazing on its western site, but on its eastern side includes frequent dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis, ivy hedera helix, nettle Urtica dioica, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, male fern Dryopteris filix-mas, broad buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, lady fern Athyrium filix-femina and herb Robert Geranium robertianum and occasional tormentil Potentilla erecta and yellow pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum.
Species-poor hedgerows Elliot Environmental Surveyors (2018) assessed the hedgerows which occur along the southern boundary of the site (Figure 2, Hedgerows 2 and 3) as not being ‘Important’ under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997.
Hedgerow 2 is a garden hedgerow and comprises garden privet Ligustrum ovalifolium with no ground flora. Hedgerow 3 also marks the boundary of a residential garden and is dominated by hawthorn with occasional to rare blackthorn, garden privet, ash and snowberry Symphoricarpus alba. A single young pedunculate oak is located adjacent to the hedgerow on its southern side. The ground-flora of the hedgerow includes nettle, male fern, herb Robert and cleavers Galium aparine.
3.2.2 Semi-improved Acid Grassland / Marshy Grassland The site predominantly comprises damp acidic grassland with locally wet areas.
Genesis Homes Ltd 11 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
The damp acidic grassland is dominated by Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, with common bent Agrostis capillaris, sweet vernal-grass, Anthoxanthum odoratum and rare to occasional crested dog’s-tail Cynosurus cristatus and red fescue Festuca rubra. Rushes, including soft rush Juncus effusus, sharp- flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus and compact rush, in varying proportions, form more or less continuous cover across the site. Forbs1 are rare to occasional in the vegetation and include white clover Trifolium repens, red clover Trifolium pratense, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, greater bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus pedunculatus, marsh thistle Cirsium palustre and self-heal Prunella vulgaris. Areas where the ground has been locally enriched by sheep include creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, nettle and hogweed Heracleum sphondylium.
Wetter, marshy areas are present along seepage lines in the centre and at the eastern edge of the field. Soft rush, sharp-flowered rush and Yorkshire fog are dominant in these areas, but the proportion of forbs in the vegetation is higher than in the damp grassland. These include, meadowsweet, creeping buttercup, greater bird’s-foot trefoil, marsh thistle, common valerian Valeriana officinalis, water mint Mentha aquatica and lesser spearwort. Betony Stachys officinalis and sneezewort Achillea ptarmica are rare in the marshy areas.
3.2.3 Running water Narrow seepage lines occur in the centre and at the eastern edge of the field (see 3.2.2 for a description of their vegetation). The field slopes southwards and drains, presumably into Croasdale Beck through a culvert located at its southern edge.
3.3 Off-site Habitats of Importance
3.3.1 Unimproved Neutral Grassland (Roadside Verge) A species-rich verge is present to the east of Kirkland Road, opposite the north-eastern edge of the site. The verge had not been mown at the time of the survey and supported wild angelica Angelica sylvestris, common knapweed Centaurea nigra, meadowsweet, square-stalked St. John’s wort Hypericum tetrapterum, marsh ragwort Senecio palustris, tormentil Potentilla erecta, silverweed Potentilla anserina and self-heal. Marsh orchids, likely common spotted orchid Dactylohiza fuchsia and hybrids are abundant on the verge.
3.3.2 Buildings No buildings are present on the site, but an occupied house and attached outbuilding forms part of the southern boundary of the site. These buildings are described under 3.4.3 in respect of their suitability for roosting bats.
3.4 Protected & Notable Species
3.4.1 Great Crested Newts CBDC provided one record of GCN, located at Eskett Quarry (NY 056 168), 1.45km to the north-west of the site.
1 Non-graminoid (grass-like) plants.
Genesis Homes Ltd 12 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
A single pond is present within 500m of the site and is located 408m to the south-east. Online aerial photography shows that is has a small island, which suggests that it is a flight pond, provided as roost for wildfowl. There was no access to this pond to undertake a HSI assessment.
No waterbodies are present on the site. The grassland present within the site is suitable for GCN foraging and commuting. The hedgerow along the western boundary of the site is also suitable for GCN foraging, commuting and provides hibernation opportunities within leaf litter and around the roots of the shrubs and trees.
If GCN were present in the off-sitte pond, it is considered likely they would use the frequent terrestrial habitat within 250m of it rather than commute to the site. Furthermore, Croasdale Beck lies 260m west of the pond and is likely to form a significant barrier to GCN moving further west.
GCN are unlikely to be present on the site and are not considered to be a constraint to the proposed development.
3.4.2 Reptiles CBDC provided two records of reptiles, both from the same location (NY 063 157), at Long Moor, 0.84km south-west of the site.
The site is considered to have some potential for common lizard and slow-worm in drier areas, but the vegetation is uniformly dense, and generally without suitable areas for basking. The site is unlikely to be suitable for grass snake, due to a lack of suitable ditches or ponds or connections to these habitats.
Reptiles are unlikely to be present on the site and are not considered to be a constraint to the proposed development.
3.4.3 Bats CBDC provided 41 records of bats including 16 records of bat roosts. The nearest roost record to the site for each species/group is presented in Table 4.
Table 4: Records of Bat Roosts within 2km of the Site
No. No. OS Grid Distance & Further Species Records Roost Ref Direction Information Records Bats Chiroptera 17 2 NY 072 163 0.12km NE Possible roost Pipistrelle Pipistrellus 7 6 NY 056 162 1.39km W 1 male, 7 female in sp. bat box Common pipistrelle 6 3 NY 068 158 0.38km SW No information Pipistrellus pipistrellus Soprano pipistrelle 5 4 NY 065 156 0.73km SW 240 bats recorded Pipistrellus pygmaeus Brown long-eared 2 1 NY 056 162 1.39km W 1 female in bat box bat Plecotus auritus
Genesis Homes Ltd 13 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Field records of additional bat species in flight included, Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii (nearest record – 1.67km SE), Noctule Nyctalus noctula (nearest record – NY 08526 15295 SE).
The site is located 0.28km north-east of the wooded River Ehen corridor, which is likely to be a significant commuting/foraging route for local bat populations. Woodlands, lines of trees and hedgerows provide connectivity from the river to the wider landscape. The density of these potential commuting/foraging routes is greatest along the river floodplain, to the west, south-west and east of Ennerdale Bridge. The Croasdale Beck corridor, located to the north-east of Ennerdale Bridge also provides suitable foraging and commuting habitat for bats.
The site is located to the north of Ennerdale Bridge and is associated with the fields to the north-east of the village, which are generally quite large, with sparse hedgerows. The rush-pasture within the site is considered to be of ‘negligible’ to ‘low’ value for foraging and commuting bats, as there are no linear features for bats to follow. The hedgerow at the eastern boundary of the site is considered to be of ‘low’ value for foraging and commuting bats and forms part of a potential commuting/foraging corridor along Kirkland Road. However, the hedgerow on the opposite site of road, which contains a greater number of mature trees, is considered to provide a greater habitat contribution to this corridor.
There are no buildings within the site. An occupied house and attached outbuilding (Figure 2, Building 1) forms part of the southern boundary of the site. The house is a rendered, likely stone-built, former farmhouse, with one attached outbuilding. Collectively, these were considered to have ‘Moderate’ roost suitability for bats, through the presence of lifted lead flashing and lifted slates around the northern chimney of the farmhouse and gaps in stonework, gaps under the ridge tiles and lifted slates on the stone outbuilding.
Two semi-mature ash trees are present in Hedgerow 1. Neither of these had visible potential roost features for bats, however, both were clad in ivy, which may have hidden potential features, and were therefore given a precautionary classification of ‘low’ roost suitability.
Bats are considered to be a potential constraint to the development due to the presence of potential bat roosts adjacent to the southern boundary of the site and a potential commuting/foraging corridor adjacent to the eastern boundary. Mitigation and avoidance measures are therefore specified in Section 5.3.
3.4.4 Badger The desk study found records of badger within 2km of the site. These records are confidential and sensitive, so are not detailed in this report. None of the records were within the site.
No signs of badgers were recorded within the site or along the site boundaries. The site is considered to provide potentially suitable foraging habitat for badgers, but is considered to provide sub-optimal sett building habitat due to the wet nature of the site and lack of tree or shrub cover.
Habitats within 50m of the site include residential gardens to the south and west, which were not accessible, but were considered to be unsuitable for badger setts. The field to the north is open and provides sub-optimal sett building habitat. Some limited opportunities for badgers are present along the western edge of Hedgerow 1. No access was available to the field to the east of Kirkland Road,
Genesis Homes Ltd 14 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
however this is considered likely to be similar to the eastern boundary of the site, with only limited opportunities for badger.
Badgers are unlikely to create setts within the site or within 50m of it and are therefore not considered to be a significant constraint to the proposed development. However, badgers are active in the local area and therefore could occasionally enter the site to forage. Therefore, avoidance measures are specified in Section 5.3 to prevent harm to badgers during the construction phase of the development.
3.4.5 Otter & Water Vole CBDC provided eight records of otter, located mainly along the River Ehen, from Ennerdale Lake to just west of Ennerdale Bridge. The closest record to the site (60m to the south) was of a spraint and prints in 2014, from Butt’s Bridge over Croasdale Beck.
CBDC provided no records of water vole within 2km of the site. Water vole are considered unlikely to be present on the River Ehen and tributaries and are not considered to be a potential constraint to the proposed development
There is potentially some hydrological connectivity between the site and the Croasdale Beck, via a culvert (c.30cm diameter and 60m in length), located at the southern edge of the site. Due to the size and length of the culvert, it is considered highly unlikely it would be used by otter to access the site. Although otters can range quite widely away from watercourses, it is considered unlikely that they would commute through the site or forage within it on anything other than an occasional basis.
Otters are considered to be a potential constraint to the proposed development, but only in terms of them potentially accessing the site during the construction phase. Appropriate avoidance measures are therefore proposed in Section 5.3.
3.4.6 Pine Marten CBDC provided one record of pine marten Martes martes, recorded at Stockhow Hall, 0.69 north-west of the site in 2006.
Pine martens are mainly found in woodlands, including conifer plantations. They may also use more open areas to hunt, including rocky hillsides. Their dens are usually hollow trees, among rocks or in disused bird nests or squirrel dreys. Pine martens may also use enclosed spaces in buildings as dens. It is considered unlikely that pine marten would be present in the buildings adjoining the site, due to the likely disturbance they receive from normal occupation.
The site has no suitable woodland or buildings for pine marten dens, it is considered that pine marten are not likely to breed within or adjacent to the site. Pine marten may, however, commute across or forage within the site on an occasional basis and are therefore considered to be a potential constraint to the proposed development. Appropriate avoidance measures are therefore proposed in Section 5.3.
3.4.7 Red Squirrel CBDC provided 187 records of red squirrel, with 2 records within the site, although these records had six-figure grid references and were therefore only accurate to 100m. Sixty-five records were from Ennerdale Bridge village. A further large cluster of records was associated with Broadmoor Plantation,
Genesis Homes Ltd 15 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
east of Ennerdale Bridge, with smaller clusters around Long Moor, to the south-west and Croasdale Beck valley.
No red squirrels or signs of red squirrels were recorded within the site. The pasture provides negligible opportunities for red squirrels. Hedgerow 1, located at the eastern boundary of the site is predominantly hazel and therefore provides a good foraging resource for red squirrels, which they may occasionally access. The hedgerow also contributes to connectivity between Ennerdale Bridge and a small coniferous plantation north of Kelton Mill, where red squirrels have been recorded.
Red squirrels are considered to present a potential constraint to the proposed development and recommendations for appropriate mitigation are outlined in Section 5.3.
3.4.8 Birds CBDC provided 1894 records of 101 bird species within 2km of the site. The majority of records were from tetrad surveys (2km x 2km grid square) between 2008 and 2013; as the data are from tetrad surveys, the records potentially cover a radius of 4km around the site. Only data for Tetrad NY01T, in which the site lies, are presented in Appendix B; this area is considered to be most representative of the landscape character of the site. Only data for notable bird species (i.e. those listed on Annex 1 of the Birds Directive, Schedule 1 of the W&CA or those listed as SPI under the NERC Act or included on the LBAP or BoCC2 Red and Amber Lists). The data contained 175 records of 32 notable species, including 4 sensitive species, which are not reported on.
A total of eight bird species were recorded during the site survey (Table 5).
Table 5: Bird Species Recorded Within the Site
Common Name Latin Name Status Description Carrion crow Corvus corone - Flying over Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs - Calling from Hedgerow 1 Collared dove Streptopelia decaocto - Flying down Hedgerow 1 Jackdaw Corvus monedula - Flying over Linnet Linaria cannabina BoCC Red List, Party of three flying over S41, LBAP Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis BoCC Amber List One flushed from vegetation Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus - Flying over Swallow Hirundo rustica - Foraging over grassland Wood pigeon Columba palumbus - Singing in hedgerow Key: BoCC Red and Amber Lists: Birds of Conservation Concern 4 (Eaton et al., 2015). S41: Species listed under section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.
2 See Appendix A for further information.
Genesis Homes Ltd 16 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Common Name Latin Name Status Description LBAP: Species listed within the Cumbria Local Biodiversity Action Plan
The site provides potential habitat for a range of bird species. Hedgerow 1 is dense and contains two trees and thus could potentially support breeding notable species such as yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella , tree sparrow Passer montanus, linnet and willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, which have been recorded in tetrad NY01T.
The grassland has dense rush cover and was thus not considered to be suitable for skylark Alauda arvensis, although meadow pipit were recorded during the survey. The grassland is potentially suitable for curlew Numenius arquata, although much of the site slopes to the south inhibiting sight- lines to the north and therefore reducing the value of the site for this species. The wetter areas in the centre of the field provide some potential habitat for snipe, although the small size of the wet area and moderate density of rushes suggests that it is sub-optimal for this species.
Birds are considered to present a potential constraint to the proposed development and appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures are outlined in Section 5.3
3.4.9 Invertebrates CBDC provided 121 records of 28 protected and notable invertebrate species; none of the records was from within or adjacent to the site. Records comprised:
7 butterfly species (Table 6); 17 moth species (Table 7) 2 mollusc species; 1 dragonfly species; and 1 beetle species.
Table 6: Protected and Notable Butterfly Species within 2km of the Site
No. Distance & Species OS Grid Ref Status Records Direction Dingy skipper Erynnis tages 5 NY 057 161 1.28km W S41; LBAP Wall Lasiommata megera 7 NY 065 156 0.74km SW S41; LBAP Small heath Coenonympha 9 NY 06426 15562 0.80km SW S41; LBAP pamphilus Grayling Hipparchia semele 2 NY 06 17 0.80km SW S41; LBAP Small pearl-bordered 20 NY 070 158 0.32km S S41; LBAP fritillary Boloria selene Marsh fritillary Euphydryas 40 NY 065 156 0.73km SW W&CA; aurinia
Dingy skipper, wall and grayling were all recorded from dry habitats west of the site including Salter Woods CWS, Longmoor CWS, Frizington Disused Railway and Rowrah Quarry. Small heath were
Genesis Homes Ltd 17 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
recorded from scattered dry habitats including heathland/young coniferous plantation in Blakely and Grike Fells, to the south of Ennerdale Bridge.
Small pearl-bordered fritillary and marsh fritillary were recorded extensively on Longmoor CWS and also from Broadmoor Plantation and from Hunterhow Mire CWS. There was an outlying record of small pearl-bordered fritillary from Ennerdale Bridge village.
The site is considered to have negligible potential for dingy skipper, grayling, wall and small heath due to the wet nature of the site and uniformly dense vegetation. The site provides negligible potential for marsh fritillary as the larval food plant in marshy situations (devil’s bit scabious Succissa pratensis) is absent from the site. The site provides some potential foraging habitat for small pearl- bordered fritillary through the presence of nectar producing plants, but is unconnected to any recorded colonies and it’s larval food plants (violets Viola spp.) are absent from the vegetation.
Table 7: Protected and Notable Moth Species within 2km of the Site
No. Species Habitats Status Records Northern Grey Scoparia 1 Trees and wooded areas Notable ancipitella Shaded Broad-bar Scotopteryx 1 A range of open habitats. SPI, LBAP chenopodiata Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet 1 Woodland SPI, LBAP Xanthorhoe ferrugata Small Phoenix Ecliptopera 2 Vegetation with willowherb SPI, LBAP silaceata Epilobium species Latticed Heath Chiasmia 4 Grassland and waste ground SPI, LBAP clathrata White Ermine Spilosoma 1 Range of habitats SPI, LBAP lubricipeda Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae 2 Vegetation with ragwort Senecio SPI, LBAP jacobaea and related species Anomalous Stilbia anomala 1 Vegetation with wavy hair-grass SPI, LBAP Deschampsia flexuosa. Rosy Rustic Hydraecia micacea 1 Vegetation with a range of plants, SPI, LBAP but especially docks Rumex spp. Dusky Brocade Apamea 1 Woodland, dry pastures, SPI, LBAP remissa marshes, and a range of other habitats, Sallow Cirrhia icteritia 1 Damp woodland, heathland and SPI, LBAP marshy places. Broom Moth Ceramica pisi 1 Open woodland and heathland SPI, LBAP Small Square-spot Diarsia rubi 2 Perhaps preferring damp and SPI, LBAP marshy places.
Genesis Homes Ltd 18 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
No. Species Habitats Status Records Autumnal Rustic Eugnorisma 1 Woodland fringes, moorland and SPI, LBAP glareosa sandy or chalky soils Northern Grey Scoparia 1 Trees - wooded areas SPI, LBAP ancipitella
Moth species were recorded primarily at three sites around Ennerdale Water and Broadmoor Plantation in 2016, with a small number of additional records from Rowrah Quarry. It is considered that, some of the moths recorded have the potential to occur on the site, but are unlikely to be restricted to it as other similar damp, rushy fields occur within the local area.
One of the mollusc species recorded within 2km of the site is classed as a sensitive species, and therefore no details are given, but this species is considered unlikely to occur on the site. The second mollusc species is a slug Arion ater, which is likely to be relatively common in the local area. Golden ringed dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii breeds within oligotrophic streams and rivers, neither of which occurs on the site. Violet oil-beetle Meloe violaceus is a woodland species and is therefore considered unlikely to occur on the site.
The site is considered to provide suitable habitat for a range of invertebrates, but is unlikely to support significant populations of rare or notable species. Invertebrates are therefore not considered to be a constraint to the proposed development.
3.4.10 Invasive Plant Species CBDC provided 23 records of 2 invasive plant species, Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica and Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera. Himalayan balsam is strongly associated with the River Ehen, with two records along Croasdale Beck (closest record 0.13km S of the site). Japanese knotweed is associated with the river and also with human habituation; several records are present around Ennerdale Bridge (closest record 0.21km S of the site).
No invasive plant species were recorded on or adjacent to the site during the field survey and are therefore not considered to be a potential constraint to the proposed development.
3.4.11 Other Notable Species CBDC also provided records of five additional notable species within 2km of the site (Table 8). None of the records were within the site.
Table 8: Other Notable Species Recorded within 2km of the Site
No. Distance & Species OS Grid Ref Status Records Direction European eel Anguilla 2 NY 0884 1526 1.95km SE SPI; LBAP anguilla Atlantic salmon Salmo salar 9 NY 07180 16081 0.09km SE SPI; LBAP
Genesis Homes Ltd 19 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
No. Distance & Species OS Grid Ref Status Records Direction Common toad Bufo bufo 10 NY 074 157 0.52km SE SPI; LBAP West European hedgehog 7 NY 07110 16163 Adjacent to site SPI; LBAP Erinaceus europaeus (dead on road) Polecat Mustela putorius 3 NY 06416 15488 0.88 SW SPI; LBAP Brown hare Lepus 10 NY 06927 15811 0.32km S SPI; LBAP europaeus
The records of Atlantic salmon were mainly from the River Ehen, with two records from Croasdale Beck. The records of European eel were all from the River Ehen. The site holds no potential for either of these species, but is connected to Croasdale Beck, by a culvert. Atlantic salmon are a qualifying feature of the River Ehen SAC and appropriate mitigation is proposed in Section 5.1.
The desk study found 10 records of common toad, from scattered locations within 2km of the site, but mainly to the SE. The grassland was considered to provide potential terrestrial foraging habitat for common toad, with the hedgerow suitable for hibernating animals.
Seven records of hedgehog were provided by CBDC, three of which were road casualties and were therefore located along roads, including Kirkland road, with one record adjacent to the site. Other records were located around Ennerdale Bridge and Broadmoor Plantation, to the south-east. Grassland within the site is considered to provide potential foraging habitat for hedgehogs and the hedgerow along the eastern boundary provides potential hibernation habitat.
Three records of polecat were provided by CBDC; these were located at Longmoor, approximately 0.9km to the south-west of the site. A single rabbit burrow was located to the north of the site, suggesting rabbits, the favoured prey of the polecat, are present locally. No other rabbit burrows or alternative den sites such as piles of logs or stone walls are present and therefore breeding within the site is considered unlikely. Polecats may potentially forage within the site and along Hedgerow 1 for items such as rabbits, birds and small mammals.
Ten records of brown hare were provided by CBDC, the closest record located to the south of Ennerdale Bridge. No evidence of brown hare was recorded within the site and it was concluded that the site was unsuitable for breeding, due to its wet nature and relatively dense vegetation, restricted sight-lines. Adjacent silage fields and more improved pastures with tall, but less dense, field margins were considered to be more suitable for breeding, however, it was considered that brown hare may potentially forage within the site.
Common toad, hedgehog, polecat and brown hare are considered to be potentially present on the site. Appropriate avoidance measures are identified in respect of these species in Section 5.3
Genesis Homes Ltd 20 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
3.5 Importance of Ecological Features
In line with the CIEEM PEA Guidelines, and based on the above baseline information, each ecological feature recorded within the study area is considered to have the following importance, as defined within the CIEEM EcIA Guidelines (2016):
Table 9: Importance of Ecological Features
Feature Importance Rationale
River Ehen SAC International A designated Natura 2000 site for freshwater pearl mussel Lake District High Fells International A designated Natura 2000 site for upland habitats SAC River Ehen (Ennerdale National A designated SSSI for freshwater pearl mussel Water to Keekle population Confluence) SSSI High Leys SSSI National A designated SSSI for mire and hay meadow communities Pillar and Ennerdale Fells National A designated SSSI for upland vegetation communities SSSI Ennerdale SSSI National A designated SSSI for Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus and swamp, mire and woodland vegetation CWS sites County Designated for various features considered to be important at the county level Species-rich Hedgerow Local Species-rich hedge containing ancient woodland indicator species, such as dog mercury. Provides ecological connectivity along Kirkland Road. Semi-improved Site level Moderate diversity, but low rarity of plant acid/marshy grassland communities Off-site roadside verge Local Unimproved grassland but small fragment Running water Site level Minor seepage features lacking potential for protected species or associated plant communities Otter Local Potential occasional use of the site Pine marten National Use of the site unlikely, but discussed further due to value. Red squirrel Local Likely occasional use of the site for foraging. Hedgerow 1 provides potential commuting route Bats Site level Site of low to negligible value, but Hedgerow 1 provides a potential commuting route/foraging resource in combination with hedge on opposite side of Kirkland Road Birds Local Several BoCC species present, potential for other species exists
Genesis Homes Ltd 21 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Feature Importance Rationale
Badger Site level Potential occasional use of the site for foraging or commuting. Other notable species Local Occasional use if present (e.g. brown hare and hedgehog) Either: International (incl. European) / National / Regional / County / Local / Site level Or: Unknown (i.e. further surveys/information needed)
The potential for the proposals to have adverse or beneficial impacts on these features, along with the need for any mitigation or enhancement measures are discussed in detail below.
Genesis Homes Ltd 22 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
4.0 Relevant Planning Policy & Legislation 4.1 National Planning Policy Framework
The NPPF was adopted in March 2012. Section 11 of the NPPF, Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment replaces Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9): Biodiversity and Geological Conservation. However, government Circular 06/2005, Biodiversity and Geological Conservation: Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System, which relates to PPS9 remains valid and is referenced within Paragraph 113 of the NPPF.
Circular 06/2005 states that the presence of protected species is a material consideration in the planning process. The NPPF also states that ‘planning policies should promote the protection of priority species populations linked to national and local targets’.
Furthermore, central and local government policy now points towards ecological enhancement on development sites. The NPPF considers enhancement in the statement ‘The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes….and minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity’.
4.2 Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife & ecosystem services
Biodiversity 2020 replaces the previous UK Biodiversity Action Plan and sets national targets to be achieved. The intent of Biodiversity 2020, however, is much broader than the protection and enhancement of less common species, and is meant to embrace the wider countryside as a whole.
The priority species and habitats considered under Biodiversity 2020 are the SPI & HPI detailed under NERC Act (see Appendix A for further details).
4.3 Local Biodiversity Action Plan
Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) identify habitat and species conservation priorities at a local level (typically County by County) and are usually drawn up by a consortium of local Government organisations and conservation charities. Although they are no-longer managed at a national level many are still reviewed and updated at a local level.
It should be noted that the existence of a Species Action Plan (SAP) or Habitat Action Plan (HAP) does not always infer an elevated level importance for those features. These plans may be designed to encourage an increase in these habitats/species, rather than to protect a county-scarce feature.
The Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) was launched in 2001; s (SAPs) were drawn up for 21 species and (HAPs) were drawn up for 19 habitats. Following the UKBAP review in 2007, the CBAP was reviewed in 2009 and it was decided to include all habitats and species which are listed as HPI and SPI under the NERC Act 2006. A list of all 268 SPI which occur in Cumbria is provided at: https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/cumbria%20bap%20species%20updated% 20list%202009%20web.pdf
Genesis Homes Ltd 23 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
The original action plans for Cumbria were further reviewed as part of the Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base (CBEB) and detailed statements have been prepared for 11 species/species groups (Table 10) and 21 habitats (Table 11). For the purposes of this report, the species and habitats listed in the following tables are considered to represent the current CBAP.
Table 10: LBAP SAPs
Species Action Plans
Barn Owl Red Squirrel Bats Reptiles Great Crested Newt Small Blue Hen Harrier Water Vole Natterjack Toad Wintering Geese and Swans Otter -
Table 11: LBAP HAPs
Habitats Action Plans
Bogs Hedgerows Calaminarian Grasslands Lakes, Ponds And Tarns Calcareous Grassland Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Coastal And Floodplain Grazing Marsh Montane Habitats Coastal Habitats Above High Water Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Land Coastal Intertidal Habitats Rivers Coastal Subtidal Habitats Rock Habitats Fen, Marsh And Swamp Saline Lagoons Hay Meadows And Pastures Semi-Natural Woodland Heathland Traditional Orchards Wood-Pasture And Parkland -
4.4 Local Plan for Copeland
The site lies within Copeland Borough. Chapter 7 of the adopted Local Plan for Copeland (LPC) (2013- 2028) Environmental Protection and Enhancement incorporates one policy covering Biodiversity and Geodiversity.
Policy ENV3 – Biodiversity and Geodiversity
Genesis Homes Ltd 24 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
The Council will contribute to the implementation of the UK and Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan within the plan area by seeking to:
A. Improve the condition of internationally, nationally and locally designated sites B. Ensure that development incorporates measures to protect and enhance any biodiversity interest C. Enhance, extend and restore priority habitats and look for opportunities to create new habitat D. Protect and strengthen populations of priority or other protected species E. Boost the biodiversity value of existing wildlife corridors and create new corridors, and stepping stones that connect them, to develop a functional Ecological Network F. Restrict access and usage where appropriate and necessary in order to conserve an area’s biodiversity value
Policy DM25 supports this policy, setting out the detailed approach towards managing development proposals that are likely to have an effect on nature conservation sites, habitats and protected species.
The core strategy policies are supported by Development Mitigation Polices, one of which relates to ‘Nature Conservation, Habitat and Species Protection’:
Policy DM25 – Protecting Nature Conservation Sites, Habitats and Species
A All development proposals should:
i) Protect the biodiversity value of land and buildings ii) Minimise fragmentation of habitats iii) Maximise opportunities for conservation, restoration, enhancement and connection of natural habitats and creation of habitats for species listed in UK and Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plans. Special consideration should also be given to those European habitats that lie outside the boundaries of European designated sites
B Development proposals that would cause a direct or indirect adverse effect on locally recognised sites of biodiversity and geodiversity importance, including County Wildlife Sites, Local Nature Reserves and Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites or protected species will not be permitted unless:
i) The benefits of the development clearly outweigh the impacts on the features of the site and the wider network of natural habitats, and; ii) Prevention, mitigation and/or compensation measures are provided. An appropriate long- term management plan will be sought and arrangements to provide adequate funding will be made in accordance with a formal planning agreement or obligation
C Where compensatory habitat is created, it should be of equal or greater size than the area lost as a result of the development
D Development proposals where the principal objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity or geodiversity interests will be supported in principle
Genesis Homes Ltd 25 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
E Where there is evidence to suspect the presence of protected species any planning application should be accompanied by a survey assessing their presence and, if present, the proposal must be sensitive to, and make provision for, their needs
F All development proposals must take into account any likely significant effects on the internationally important sites both within the Borough and within a 20km radius of the Borough boundary as well as those that are hydrologically linked to the development plan area
4.5 Legislation
Full details of the UK legislation and offences which are relevant to the ecological receptors identified are included in Appendix A. However, based on the findings of our assessment, it is considered that the proposals will need to consider the following legal provisions:
Harm to a Natura 2000 site Disturbance or killing of an EPS Disturbance of nesting wild birds Killing or injury of badgers
Genesis Homes Ltd 26 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
5.0 Discussion 5.1 Designated Sites
Natura 2000 Sites – Assessment of Likely Significant Effects (ALSE)
River Ehen SAC As there are no existing public or known foul sewers serving the area, the properties will be drained to a privately maintained sewage treatment plant which will discharge treated effluent into the existing ditch outfall. A review of the BGS database has identified that the underlying ground consists of silty sandy clays which would not be conducive to utilising infiltration techniques to drain the future surface water run-off. On site attenuation is therefore to be provided by means of a below ground cellular storage tank to be located within the proposed open space within the south-eastern part of the development. The outflow from this tank is to be controlled by means of a suitable flow restrictor (rated at 5.3 l/s) and would also be discharged into the existing central ditch outfall located within the southern part of the site
Further investigations will be undertaken as part of the detailed drainage design and, if possible, infiltration will be the preferred surface water treatment method. If this is not available, other sustainable drainage options will be examined such as using permeable paving for the section of highway and the private parking areas. In this scenario the permeable paving would not drain into the underlying ground, but the surface water run off would drain into the basal stone layer and then drain into the main surface water drainage system. Adopting this proposal would provide an additional level of water treatment and also slow down the rate of discharge to the attenuation tank, and hence to outflow to the receiving ditch. As a minimum requirement, it is also recommended that the surface water drainage scheme incorporates sediment traps and oil interceptors, to mitigate the potential effects of these pollutants on the River Ehen SAC.
Discharge of both treated effluent and surface water to the Croasdale Beck and subsequently the River Ehen will require consent from the Environment Agency (EA), which will limit the discharge in terms of quality and quantity. The proposed scheme will have to comply with the discharge limits which will be imposed taking into account the receiving water quality and hydrology, and any existing consented discharges and therefore potential for in-combination effects. Therefore, provided the requirements of any granted discharge consent are complied with, there would be no likely significant effects on the qualifying features of River Ehen SAC.
The potential for air pollution from the completed development is considered to be minimal; dust generation during construction is also expected to be of a level below which would be expected to have a significant effect on the SAC , but will nevertheless be covered under a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), which is outlined in Section 0.
Although the main interest features of the River Ehen SAC are considered to be vulnerable to public access/disturbance (Natural England 2014a), the number of residential units proposed (nine) is relatively small and unlikely to result in a significant increase in visitors to the site. Furthermore, the river is generally inaccessible to the public, except for occasional footbridge crossings and around the western end of Ennerdale Water, 1.4km east of the site. It is considered any increase in visitor numbers to the SAC, as a result of the development, would not be of a sufficient scale to alter the current level of visitor pressure on the site’s qualifying features.
Genesis Homes Ltd 27 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Lake District High Fells There are no direct terrestrial or aquatic pathways between the site and Lake District High Fells SAC. The potential for air pollution from the completed development is considered to be minimal; dust generation during construction is also expected to be of a level below which would be expected to have a significant effect on the SAC , but will nevertheless be covered under the CEMP, which is outlined in Section 0.
Although the main interest features of Lakeland District High Fells SAC are considered to be vulnerable to public access/disturbance (Natural England 2014b), the number of residential units proposed (nine) is relatively small and unlikely to result in a significant increase in visitors to the site. Furthermore, due to the relatively remote location of the SAC, it is not likely to be accessed by all residents. It is considered therefore any increase in visitor numbers to the SAC, as a result of the development, would not be of a sufficient scale to alter the current level of visitor pressure on the site’s qualifying features.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest The potential for impacts on River Ehen (Ennerdale Water to Keekle Confluence) SSSI and Pillar and Ennerdale Fells SSSI is addressed under ‘Natura 2000 Sites’ above.
There are no direct terrestrial or aquatic pathways between the site and Ennerdale SSSI or High Leys SSSI. The potential for air pollution from the completed development is considered to be minimal; dust generation during construction is also expected to be of a level below which would be expected to have a significant effect on either SSSI, but will nevertheless be covered under the CEMP, which is outlined in Section 0.
High Lees can only be visited with a permit from Natural England and therefore visitor numbers would not be expected to increase significantly on this site as a result of the development. Visitor numbers to Ennerdale SSSI may increase slightly as a result of the development, but given the relative inaccessibility of the site’s interest features this increase would be considered unlikely to result in a significant negative impact on the site.
County Wildlife Sites There are no direct terrestrial or aquatic pathways between the site and any of the 10 CWS, 5 SRCV of 2 LGS sites within 2km. The potential for air pollution from the completed development is considered to be minimal; dust generation during construction is also expected to be of a level below which would be expected to have a significant effect on the interest features of any of the designated sites, but will nevertheless be covered under the CEMP, which is outlined in Section 0.
5.2 Habitats
Habitats within the Site The landscape plan for the site is included in Appendix E. It is anticipated that approximately 1.25 ha of the semi-improved /marshy grassland within the site would be lost as a result of the proposed development. Approximately 40m of Hedgerow 1 would be removed, in order to create the access to the site, with an additional 10m removed to create an access to the water treatment plant.
Genesis Homes Ltd 28 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
The grassland is of relatively low ecological value and other grasslands of similar species composition are likely abundant in the local area. Direct mitigation for the loss of this feature would be through the creation of approximately 0.05 ha of wildflower grassland associated with the water treatment plant. The grassland will be created from seed of local provenance. Additional enhancement of the site will be provided through the provision of native species-rich hedges, with standard trees, along the north-western and western boundaries of the site and bordering the water treatment plant. The planted trees and shrubs will be of local provenance.
Hedgerow 1 is species-rich and meets the definition of the ‘Hedgerows’ HPI (Maddock 2011); furthermore the boundary is shown on the 1863 map of Cumberland and is therefore considered to be ‘Important’ under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. In addition to its intrinsic value, the hedgerow provides a potential commuting route for bats and red squirrels and provides potential foraging and breeding opportunities for birds. To mitigate for the removal of two sections of hedgerow to create the necessary access and visibility splays, the removed sections will be translocated to new locations, contiguous with the existing hedge, as indicated on the landscape plan (Appendix D). The translocations will have the effect of setting the hedgerow back slightly from the road in these locations and, although gaps will be created in the hedgerow, these will be 5m (for the main site access) and 3m (for the water treatment plant access) and will therefore have a negligible effect on the overall continuity of the hedge. The development is therefore considered to be in compliance with LPC policy ENV 3, part B, which seeks to ensure that developments incorporate existing biodiversity interest.
Habitats Outside the Site Habitats bounding the site comprise semi-improved acid grassland, a residential garden and a track verge. A species-rich roadside verge is present to the east of Kirkland Road, opposite the north- eastern edge of the site. It is recommended that these habitats be protected during site preparation and construction, through the design of good site-specific working practices for implementation prior to and during site preparation and construction works.
Protection of Retained Habitats and Habitats Outside the Site
Construction Phase It is recommended that protection of retained on-site habitats and habitats outside the site during construction should be addressed through the proposed CEMP and measures should include:
Trees and hedgerows to be retained within and adjacent to the site should be protected from direct impact and from severance or asphyxiation of the roots in accordance with BS5837: 2012 “Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations” (British Standard, 2012). Site operations and plant should take into account wide and tall loads to prevent them coming into contact with the hedgerow on the eastern side of Kirkland Road, which is species-rich, and with any trees overhanging the road. Suitable protection measures should be installed to protect the species-rich roadside verge east of Kirkland Road from parking/vehicle movements and storage of materials. Run-off from bare ground and residues from de-watering of excavations should be managed so that it does not enter sensitive terrestrial habitats or watercourses. A safe system for the correct storage of materials/chemicals should be implemented to ensure that materials are stored in a suitable manner as to avoid spills or runoff.
Genesis Homes Ltd 29 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Appropriate measures to manage dust generation during construction should be implemented (e.g. damping down of site roads). A system to ensure waste is removed at the earliest opportunity to avoid contamination of ground. Contractors should also avoid leaving construction waste within the site. Chemical applications should be avoided where possible. If the application of herbicide or pesticide is required, then a non-residual chemical should be applied using either a wiping or spraying (i.e. localised) method only to clear areas of weeds.
5.3 Protected & Notable Species
Bats
Bat Roosts All species of British bats and their roosts are fully protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). Seven species of bats are listed as SPI under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006. All bat species are included on the Cumbria LBAP.
No buildings are present on the site. Two trees (Trees 1 and 2) located within Hedgerow 1 have ‘Low’ roost suitability for bats. One building complex (Building 1) located adjacent to the southern boundary of the site has ‘Moderate’ roost suitability for bats.
Tree 1 will be removed to create the access into the water treatment plant. As it has an ivy covering, which may obscure suitable roost features, but is quite a young tree, it was assessed as having ‘low’ roost suitability for bats. It must therefore be felled under reasonable avoidance measures to include the following:
Careful stripping of ivy to expose any potential roost features. A check of any suitable features immediately prior to works commencing, by a licenced bat ecologist. Avoidance of sensitive periods such as maternity and hibernation periods, works are best carried out late August to October. Avoid cross-cutting in proximity to cavities or hollows. Soft lowering of felled sections containing cavities, these should then be left on the ground with the openings exposed for 24 hours to allow natural dispersal. Wedge open split limbs to prevent crush injuries.
Should a bat or evidence of bats be found during works then activity must stop and advice sought from a bat licensed ecologist.
Tree 2 and Building 1 will be protected from direct disturbance during construction by the implementation of suitable buffer zones, to avoid any potential impacts on roosting bats. A wildlife sensitive lighting scheme (see below) should also be designed for the development in consultation with a bat ecologist, to avoid operational disturbance of these features by lighting.
Foraging and Commuting ODPM 06/2005: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, the circular that accompanied the now redundant Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9) but which itself is still valid, requests that mitigating
Genesis Homes Ltd 30 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
for impacts caused by developments to foraging and commuting routes should be considered when determining planning applications.
Bats are likely to forage and commute within the site; desk study data suggests that activity will be mainly of pipistrelle species, with occasional activity by other common species, such as, brown long- eared bat (Plecotus auritus) possible. It is considered unlikely that the grassland will provide a significant foraging resource for pipistrelle bats, because of its open character. Hedgerow 1 is considered likely to be used by foraging bats, especially on its eastern side, in combination with the hedge on the opposite site of Kirkland Road.
Approximately 40m of Hedgerow 1 will need to be removed, in order to create the main access to the site, with an additional 10m removed to create an access to the water treatment plant. However, these sections will be translocated to new locations contiguous with the existing hedge and the size of the gaps created for the two access points would be 5m and 3m. As the translocation will be completed in autumn/winter, it is anticipated the effect on commuting/foraging bats will be minimal. The impact on the potential foraging/commuting corridor will be further reduced by the presence of another good quality hedge on the opposite side of Kirkland, which will be unaffected by the development.
Artificial lighting can attract insects away from wider areas utilised for foraging by light sensitive species, potentially causing further, indirect, secondary, adverse impacts upon light sensitive species. Therefore, a wildlife sensitive lighting scheme (see below) will also need to be designed for the development in consultation with a bat ecologist, to avoid impacts on foraging and commuting habitats. The scheme will need to avoid lighting of Hedgerow 1 (including on the Kirkland Road side) and the track at the western edge of the development, together with the proposed newly created grassland and hedgerow habitats, so that these remain undisturbed during the construction and operational phases of the development.
Where lighting is necessary, the following measures should be considered to reduce adverse effects:
Consideration of hood design, lamp height, and angle, to reduce light spill particularly avoiding illuminating retained foraging and commuting habitat on the site such as mature trees, the river corridor, tree lines, and hedgerows;
Use of less ultra violet (UV) light emitting bulbs, such as metal halide or high pressure sodium; and
Minimising hours of lighting to those absolutely necessary for security and safety purposes, where possible lighting should avoid key periods of bat activity (i.e. sunset and sunrise).
Further technical details are given in the BCT and the Institute of Lighting Engineers’ Bats and Lighting in the UK (2009) and Artificial lighting and Wildlife: Interim Guidance: Recommendations to help minimise the impact of artificial lighting (BCT, 2014). Both publications are available at http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/bats_and_lighting.html.
Retention and enhancement of habitat features for bats would be in accordance with LPC policy ENV3, parts B and E, which are concerned with protecting and enhancing biodiversity interest, and policy DM25 part A, which is concerned with protecting the biodiversity value of land and maximising opportunities for Cumbria LBAP species.
Genesis Homes Ltd 31 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Red Squirrel Red squirrels and their resting places are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and are is listed as a ‘species of principal importance’ under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006. Red squirrels are also listed on the Cumbria LBAP.
Red squirrels could potentially use Hedgerow 1 for foraging and potentially for dispersal to other suitable habitats to the north and east, although the suitability of the hedgerow for dispersal is reduced by the presence of a 15m section of low gorse and the presence of a more optimal continuous hedgerow, with greater tree cover, to the east of Kirkland Road. The trees within Hedgerow 1 were considered to have negligible potential for red squirrel dreys, due to the lack of adjacent cover and disturbance associated with Kirkland road.
As detailed above, parts of Hedgerow 1 will be translocated to new locations to create necessary access points and associated visibility splays for the development. As these works will take place in autumn and winter and due to the proximity of a denser hedgerow on the eastern side of Kirkland road, the impact on red squirrels is considered likely to be negligible. The long-term impact of creating two gaps in the hedgerow will be mitigated by the planting of standard trees at each end of the new gap. The trees will be allowed to mature and their canopies to touch, creating connectivity across the gap which could be exploited by red squirrels.
The new native species-rich hedgerows included in the landscape scheme for the site (Appendix D) provide enhancements for red squirrels by increasing potential food sources and connectivity through the site. Such improvement of the site for red squirrels is in accordance with LPC policy ENV 3 parts D and E, which are concerned with protecting and strengthening populations of protected species and enhancing wildlife corridors, and with policy DM25 part A, which is concerned with maximising opportunities for SPI and Cumbria LBAP species.
Badger Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
The following measures to protect badgers from harm during the construction phase of the development are recommended:
Access ramps (plank of roughened wood) to be installed each night within any trench or pit to allow any badgers of other animals which may accidently fall into the excavation a means of escape.
Daily checks of the excavations to be made by construction staff prior to commencing work to ensure that no badgers, or other animals have become trapped in the excavations. Should a trapped badger or other animal be found a suitably experienced ecologist should be immediately contacted for advice.
Any pipes with a diameter of greater than 200mm stored, or installed on site, to be covered or capped at night to reduce the risk of badgers or other animals becoming trapped inside.
Should lighting of the site be required during the construction phase, then a sympathetic lighting scheme should also be implemented that avoids and / or minimises the artificial lighting of the habitats adjacent to the site.
Genesis Homes Ltd 32 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Avoid works at night where possible to minimise potential disturbance to badgers foraging / commuting nearby to the site.
Otter The avoidance measures recommended above for badgers would provide an appropriate level of protection for otters during the construction phase of the development.
Pine Marten The avoidance measures recommended above for badgers would provide an appropriate level of protection for pine marten during the construction phase of the development.
Birds All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
The development will result in the removal of all of the semi-improved acid grassland and marshy grassland, which may provide nesting habitat for meadow pipit and a foraging resource for a small number of other common breeding bird species. Removal of approximately 1.2 ha of this habitat is considered unlikely to have a significant impact on local breeding bird populations.
The new native species-rich hedgerows included in the landscape scheme for the site (Appendix D) will provide enhancements for breeding birds by increasing potential food sources, nesting opportunities and connectivity through the site. Such improvement of the site for red squirrels is in accordance with LPC policy ENV 3 parts D and E, which are concerned with protecting and strengthening populations of protected species and enhancing wildlife corridors.
As the grassland and hedgerow habitats have the potential to support nesting birds, it is recommended that all clearance of vegetation takes place outside the bird breeding season, which is normally regarded as being between March and August (inclusive).
If restricting works to outside the bird nesting season is not possible, it is recommended that an ECoW conducts a check for nesting birds within the site in advance of any works commencing. If a nesting bird is identified, the ECoW will advise on suitable working methods and exclusion zones to avoid damage to the nest. The measures recommended will depend on the nature of the works in the area close to the nest, as well the nesting bird species, and could result in delays to undertaking site works within specific areas of site until all the chicks have fledged.
Other notable species Common toad, hedgehog, polecat and brown hare are listed as ‘species of principal importance’ under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006.
Common toad may occur on the site and it is recommended that site clearance staff are made aware of this, and that any toads found should be carefully placed (where capture is possible and humane) in a ventilated box using gloved hands and released into suitable nearby vegetation that will be unaffected by the proposed works.
There is a low potential for hedgehog to be found on the site. It is recommended that site clearance staff are made aware of this, and that any hedgehogs found should be carefully placed (where
Genesis Homes Ltd 33 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
capture is possible and humane) in a ventilated box using gloved hands and released into suitable nearby vegetation that will be unaffected by the proposed works. If injured or diseased animals are found, then the animal should be admitted to a wildlife hospital or centre for relocation by an ECoW. Hedgehogs should not be touched using non-gloved hands and should not be handled for longer than is necessary. Hedgehogs can carry ticks and fleas. Hands should be washed immediately after handling this species.
No brown hare, polecat or signs of activity of either species were recorded on site however the species is likely to be present in the wider area. Brown hare may occasionally forage within the site. Brown hare and polecat are protected by the Wild Mammal Protection (WMP) Act 1996 from cruelty and unnecessary harm. Therefore, it is recommended that their potential presence be noted by contractors on site and they are briefed accordingly. Any brown hares or polecats disturbed by site works should be allowed to disperse of their own accord and should not be caught or handled.
5.4 Good Practice for Site Clearance
It is recommended that contractors are briefed accordingly as to the potential presence of notable/protected species during the site induction. The induction should include advice on best practice with regard to all ecological issues in advance of any works commencing and should include the following recommendations to reduce the risk of harming or disturbing them during the works phase:
Emergency procedure: In the unlikely event that a protected/notable species, evidence of these or its resting/nesting place is located during site clearance then works in that area must cease until further advice has been sought from an ecologist;
Avoid works at night where possible to minimise disturbance and the impact of noise and light pollution to wildlife foraging / commuting nearby to the site. When works after dark cannot be avoided, any lighting should only be used where necessary and be designed to be sympathetic by minimising light spill on the habitats adjacent to the works areas;
Daily checks of any excavations should be made by contractors prior to commencing work to ensure that no foxes, hedgehogs or other animals have become trapped in the excavations. Should a trapped protected/notable species be found within the works, WYG should be immediately contacted for advice;
Consideration should be given to the placement of any gravel storage, or piles of materials that may create mounds suitable for digging (e.g. burrow creation). We would advise that any such piles are checked on a daily basis by contractor staff to ensure that no digging/burrowing activity has taken place. If the mounds are to be in place overnight, the safest approach may be to temporarily fence them to ensure that animals cannot access the fresh soil; and
If injured or sickly animals are found, then the animal should be admitted to a wildlife hospital or centre for relocation. 5.5 Proposed Enhancements
Opportunities should be sought where possible for nature conservation enhancement of the site in line with current policy guidance (Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012). We
Genesis Homes Ltd 34 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
recommend that the landscaping scheme for the new development should aim to incorporate the following:
Where practicable in the context of the aims of the development and health and safety considerations, management of the hedgerows should aim to enhance their suitability for breeding birds and bats. Management aims could include reducing the cutting frequency to allow outwards and upwards growth of the hedgerows and the planting up of any gaps with native species, particularly those which produce nectar and fruit.
Any new areas of soft landscaping provided within the individual plots should be specified to include herbaceous and woody species that produce nectar/fruit at different times of the year, to provide additional habitats for invertebrates, birds and bats (a list of suitable species is provided in Appendix E).
Any perimeter fences or garden fences should leave a 12cm gap at the base of the fence line to allow hedgehog access to the site.
Genesis Homes Ltd 35 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
6.0 Summary & Recommendations 6.1 Designated Sites
Design of the drainage scheme to incorporate silt traps and oil interceptors; Discharges of treated and surface water drainage must be limited to normal greenfield rates; On-site treatment plant for foul sewage must meet water quality specified in EA Permit to discharge; Develop a CEMP, covering mitigation measures and suitable working practices to protect the River Ehen SAC/SSSI from run-off/pollution and designated sites in the wider area from potential dust generation during the construction phase.
6.2 Habitats
Translocation of removed section of Hedgerow 1 to retain its overall length, with standard trees planted at each end of the translocated sections to offset the creation of the access point into the site and a further into the water treatment plant. Species-rich hedges with standard native trees of local provenance along the north-western and western boundaries of the site and surrounding the water treatment plant to be provided through the landscape scheme. Wildflower grassland edges to the water treatment plant to be provided through the landscape scheme. Mitigation measures and suitable working practices to protect retained habitats within the site and off-site habitats, including the adjacent residential gardens and the road verge and hedgerow on the opposite side of Kirkland Road to be included in the CEMP.
6.3 Protected & Notable Species
Bats
Roosting bats Tree 1 to be felled under reasonable avoidance measures (see Section 5.3). Retention of Tree 2, within the southern part of Hedgerow 1, and protection during construction through the implementation of appropriate buffer zones.
Foraging / commuting bats To maintain the potential foraging/commuting corridor along Kirkland road, translocation of removed section of Hedgerow 1 with standard trees planted at each end of the translocated sections as per the habitat mitigation outlined above. Provision of species-rich hedges with standard trees along the north-western and western boundaries of the site and surrounding the water treatment plant through the landscape scheme, to enhance the value of the site for foraging bats. Incorporation of a sympathetic lighting scheme into the development including no lighting of any of the retained habitats/boundary features.
Genesis Homes Ltd 36 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Red Squirrel To maintain connectivity along Kirkland road, translocation of removed section of Hedgerow 1 with standard trees planted at each end of the translocated sections as per the habitat mitigation outlined above. Provision of species-rich hedges with standard native trees of local provenance along the north-western and western boundaries of the site and surrounding the water treatment plant through the landscape scheme, to enhance the value of the site for red squirrel.
Otter, Pine Marten and Badger As a precaution, provision of escape routes for mammals within all excavations left unattended overnight. Avoidance of works at night, or where necessary minimise construction phase lighting by using only directional lighting and avoid lighting of Hedgerow 1 and light-spill outside of the site boundaries.
Birds To ensure legal compliance, it is recommended that vegetation clearance and tree works be avoided during the bird nesting season (March to September inclusive) or, if necessary, preceded by a search for nesting birds by an ecologist.
Species-rich hedges with standard trees along the north-western and western boundaries of the site and surrounding the water treatment plant to be provided through the landscape scheme, to enhance the value of the site for breeding birds.
Other Notable Species
Common Toad and West European hedgehog Personnel involved in vegetation clearance should be made aware of the potential presence of toads and hedgehogs and how to avoid harming them. Any animals found should be carefully captured, placed (where capture is possible and humane) in a ventilated box and released at a safe and suitable location. If a hedgehog is found and a safe release site is not available, or the animal is ill, then it should be taken to a wildlife hospital or centre for relocation. Provide 12cm gaps under any boundary and residential fences to allow hedgehogs access to the site post-development.
Brown Hare and Polecat Personnel involved in vegetation clearance should be made aware of the potential presence of brown hare and polecat and how to avoid harming them. Any animals found should be allowed to disperse off the site of their own accord.
Genesis Homes Ltd 37 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
7.0 References
Bright PW, Morris PA and Mitchell-Jones A (2006). Dormouse Conservation Handbook, 2nd Edition. English Nature, Peterborough. Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (2013). Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. Collins, J. (ed.) (2016). Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd ed). The Bat Conservation Trust, London. Communities and Local Government (2012) National Planning Policy Framework. Elliot Environmental Surveyors, 2018. Land at Kirkland Road, Ennerdale Bridge - Tree and Hedge Report. English Nature (2011). Badgers and Development. English Nature, Peterborough, UK. Gent, T. & Gibson, S. (2003). Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual. JNCC, Peterborough. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A Technique for Environmental Audit. JNCC, Peterborough. Langton, T.E.S, Beckett, C.L and Foster, J.P. (2001). Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook. Froglife, Halesworth. Natural England. 2014a. Site Improvement Plan, River Ehen SAC. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/6203335036108800 Natural England. 2014b. Site Improvement Plan, Lake District High Fells SAC. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/6534434434056192 Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S & Jeffcote M., (2000). Evaluating the Suitability of Habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus). Herpertological Journal 10 (4), 143- 155. Stace, C. (2010) New Flora of the British Isles (3rd edition). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Genesis Homes Ltd 38 January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
FIGURES
Figure 1 – Site Location Plan Figure 2 – Phase 1 Habitat Plan
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 150 75 0 150 Meters Legend ¯ Site Boundary
Quay West at MediaCityUK Trafford Wharf Road Trafford Park Manchester M17 1HH
Tel: 0161 872 3223 Fax: 0161 872 3193 [email protected] Environment Project Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale
Drawing Title:
Site Location Plan
Drawn by: Date: Checked By: Date: Approved By: Date: ABl 10/08/17 PW 18/01/18 RK 30/01/18 Project No: Office Type Drawing No. Revision: A103748 - - Figure 1 00
Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right (2017) Legend ¯ Site Boundary Linear Features
E
I E V 2 E E .! Running water Species-poor hedgerow
I
V 3 VI VI VI VI VI VI VI .! Species-rich hedge with trees
I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | SI SI SI SI SI V Fence Habitats I
V E SI SI SI Semi-improved acid grassland
SI SI SI I V Marshy grassland Target Notes I V SI SI SI SI SI !. Target Notes
I V Trees (Bat roost suitability) l Low I V Buildings (bat roost suitability)
VI ²³ Moderate
SI S1I SI SI SI IV
.!|
| VI
| | I
E V Quay West at MediaCityUK | Trafford Wharf Road
Trafford Park | l Manchester
I T2 M17 1HH | V Tel: 0161 872 3223
SI SI | SI SI SI Fax: 0161 872 3193 [email protected]
I
| V
| Environment | Project
I
V | Kirkland Road, Ennerdale
E lT1 |
I Drawing Title:
V | ²³ SI SI SI SI SI Phase 1 Habitat Map Drawn by: Date: Checked By: Date: Approved By: Date: ABl 10/08/17 PW 18/01/18 RK 30/01/18 Project No: Office Type Drawing No. Revision: 30 15 0 30 Meters A103748 - - Figure 2 00
© Crown copyright and database rights [2017] Ordnance Survey 0100031673 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Appendix A – Wildlife Legislation
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Bern Convention
The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the Bern Convention) was adopted in Bern, Switzerland in 1979, and was ratified in 1982. Its aims are to protect wild plants and animals and their habitats listed in Appendices 1 and 2 of the of the Convention, and regulate the exploitation of speices listed in Appendix 3. The regulation imposes legal obligations on participating countires to protect over 500 plant species and more than 1000 animals. To meet its obligations imposed by the Convention, the European Community adopted the EC Birds Directive (1979) and the EC Habitats Directive (1992 – see below). Since the Lisbon Treaty, in force since 1st December 2009, European legislation has been adopted by the European Union.
Bonn Convention
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals or ‘Bonn Convention’ was adopted in Bonn, Germany in 1979 and came into force in 1985. Participating states agree to work together to preserve migratory species and their habitats by providing strict protection to species listed in Appendix I of the Convention. It also establishes agreements for the conservation and management of migratory species listed in Appendix II. In the UK, the requirements of the convention are implemented via the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended), Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW).
Habitats Directive
The Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Fora, or the ‘Habitats Directive’, is a European Union directive adopted in 1992 in response to the Bern Convention. Its aims are to protect approximately 220 habitats and 1,000 species listed in its several Annexes. In the UK, the Habitats Directive is transposed into national law via the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) in England and Wales, and via the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended) in Northern Ireland.
Birds Directive
The EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (791409/EEC) or ‘Birds Directive’ was introduced to achieve favourable conservation status of all wild bird species across their distribution range. In this context, the most important provision is the identification and classification of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for rare or vulnerable species listed in Annex 1 of the Directive, as well as for all regularly occurring migratory species, paying particular attention to the protection of wetlands of international importance.
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended)
Regulations place a duty on the Secretary of State to propose a list of sites which are important for either habitats or species (listed in Annexes I or II of the Habitats Directive respectively) to the European Commission. These sites, if ratified by the European Commission, are then designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) within six years. Amendments made in 2012 stipulated that public bodies help preserve, maintain and re-establish habitats for wild birds. The Regulations also make it an offence to deliberately capture, kill, disturb or trade in the animals listed in Schedule 2, or pick, uproot, destroy, or trade in the plants listed in Schedule 5 - see below: Schedule 2 – European Protected Species of Schedule 5 – European Protected Species Animals of Plants Horseshoe bats Rhinolophidae - all species Shore dock Rumex rupestris Common bats Vespertilionidae - all species Killarney fern Trichomanes speciosum Wild cat Felis silvestris Early gentian Gentianella anglica Dolphins, porpoises and whales Cetacea – all sp. Lady’s-slipper Cypripedium calceolus Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Creeping marshwort Apium repens Pool frog Rana lessonae Slender naiad Najas flexilis Sand lizard Lacerta agilis Fen orchid Liparis loeselii Fisher’s estuarine moth Gortyna borelii lunata Floating-leaved water plantain Luronium natans Great crested newt Triturus cristatus Yellow marsh saxifrage Saxifraga hirculus Otter Lutra lutra Lesser whirlpool ram’s-horn snail Anisus vorticulus Smooth snake Coronella austriaca Sturgeon Acipenser sturio Natterjack toad Epidalea calamita Marine turtles Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Lepidochelys kempii, Eretmochelys imbricata, Dermochelys coriacea Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
This is the principal mechanism for the legislative protection of wildlife in the UK. This legislation is the chief means by which the ‘Bern Convention’ and the Birds Directive are implemented in the UK. Since it was first introduced, the Act has been amended several times. The Act makes it an offence to (with exception to species listed in Schedule 2) intentionally: kill, injure, or take any wild bird; take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use; or take or destroy an egg of any wild bird.
Or to intentionally do the following to a wild bird listed in Schedule 1:
disturbs any wild bird while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or disturbs dependent young of such a bird.
In addition, the Act makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to: intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild animal listed on Schedule 5;
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
interfere with places used for shelter or protection, or intentionally disturbing animals occupying such places; and The Act also prohibits certain methods of killing, injuring, or taking wild animals.
Finally, the Act also makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to: intentionally pick, uproot or destroy any wild plant listed in Schedule 8, or any seed or spore attached to any such wild plant; unless an authorised person, intentionally uproot any wild plant not included in Schedule 8; or sell, offer or expose for sale, or possess (for the purposes of trade), any live or dead wild plant included in Schedule 8, or any part of, or anything derived from, such a plant.
Following all amendments to the Act, Schedule 5 ‘Animals which are Protected’ contains a total of 154 species of animal, including several mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates – see below for the full list. Schedule 8 ‘Plants which are Protected’ of the Act, contains 185 species, including higher plants, bryophytes and fungi and lichens. A comprehensive and up-to-date list of these species can be obtained from the JNCC website. Part 14 of the Act makes unlawful to plant or otherwise case to grow in the wild any plant which is listed in Part II of Schedule 9. It is recommended that plant material of these species is disposed of as bio-hazardous waste, and these plants should not be used in planting schemes.
Schedule 1 - Birds which are protected by special penalties Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Osprey Pandion haliaetus Bee-eater Merops apiaster Owl, Barn Tyto alba Bittern Botaurus stellaris Owl, Snowy Nyctea scandiaca Bittern, Little Ixobrychus minutus Peregrine Falco peregrinus Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Petrel, Leach’s Oceanodroma leucorhoa Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Phalarope, Red-necked Phalaropus lobatus Bunting, Cirl Emberiza cirlus Plover, Kentish Charadrius alexandrinus Bunting, Lapland Calcarius lapponicus Plover, Little Ringed Charadrius dubius Bunting, Snow Plectrophenax nivalis Quail, Common Coturnix coturnix Buzzard, Honey Pernis apivorus Redstart, Black Phoenicurus ochruros Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Redwing Turdus iliacus Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Rosefinch, Scarlet Carpodacus erythrinus Corncrake Crex crex Ruff Philomachus pugnax Crake, Spotted Porzana porzana Sandpiper, Green Tringa ochropus Crossbills (all species) Loxia Sandpiper, Purple Calidris maritima Curlew, Stone Burhinus oedicnemus Sandpiper, Wood Tringa glareola Divers (all species) Gavia Scaup Aythya marila Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Scoter, Common Melanitta nigra Duck, Long-tailed Clangula hyemalis Scoter, Velvet Melanitta fusca Eagle, Golden Aquila chrysaetos Serin Serinus serinus Eagle, White-tailed Haliaetus albicilla Shorelark Eremophila alpestris Falcon, Gyr Falco rusticolus Shrike, Red-backed Lanius collurio Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Stilt, Black-winged Himantopus himantopus Garganey Anas querquedula Stint, Temminck’s Calidris temminckii Godwit, Black-tailed Limosa limosa Swan, Bewick’s Cygnus bewickii Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Swan, Whooper Cygnus cygnus Grebe, Black-necked Podiceps nigricollis Tern, Black Chlidonias niger
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Grebe, Slavonian Podiceps auritus Tern, Little Sterna albifrons Greenshank Tringa nebularia Tern, Roseate Sterna dougallii Gull, Little Larus minutus Tit, Bearded Panurus biarmicus Gull, Mediterranean Larus melanocephalus Tit, Crested Parus cristatus Harriers (all species) Circus Treecreeper, Short-toed Certhia brachydactyla Heron, Purple Ardea purpurea Warbler, Cetti’s Cettia cetti Hobby Falco subbuteo Warbler, Dartford Sylvia undata Hoopoe Upupa epops Warbler, Marsh Acrocephalus palustris Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Warbler, Savi’s Locustella luscinioides Kite, Red Milvus milvus Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Merlin Falco columbarius Woodlark Lullula arborea Oriole, Golden Oriolus oriolus Wryneck Jynx torquilla Schedule 5- Animals which are protected Lagoon Worm, Tentacled (re: S.9(4)(a) only) Adder (re: S.9(5) only) Vipera berus Alkmaria romijni Allis Shad (re: S.9(1) & (4)(a) only) Alosa alosa Leech, Medicinal Hirudo medicinalis Lizard, Sand (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Lacerta Anemone, Ivell’s Sea Edwardsia ivelli agilis Anemone, Startlet Sea Nematosella vectensis Lizard, Viviparous (re: S.9(5) only) Lacerta vivipara Apus Triops cancriformis Marten, Pine Martes martes Bats, Horseshoe (all sp. but re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) Mat. Trembling Sea Victorella pavida only) Rhinolophidae Bats, Typical (all sp. but re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Moth, Barberry Carpet Pareulype berberata Vespertilionidae Beetle Graphoderus zonatus Moth, Black-veined Siona lineata / Idaea lineata) Beetle Hypebaeus flavipes Moth, Fiery Clearwing Bembecia chrysidiformis Moth, Fisher’s Estuarine (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) Beetle Paracymus aeneus only) Gortyna borelii Beetle, Lesser Silver Water Hydrochara caraboides Moth, New Forest Burnet Zygaena viciae Beetle, Mire Pill (re: S.9(4)(a) only) Curimopsis nigrita Moth, Reddish Buff Acosmetia caliginosa Moth, Slender Scotch Burnet (re: S.9(5) only) Beetle, Rainbow Leaf Chrysolina cerealis Zygaena loti subspecies scotica Beetle, Stag (re: S.9(5) only) Lucanus cervus Moth, Sussex Emerald Thalera fimbrialis Moth, Talisker Burnet (re: S.9(5) only) Zygaena Beetle, Violet Click Limoniscus violaceus lonicerae subspecies jocelynae Burbot Lota lota Mussel, Fan (re: S.9(1), (2) & (5) only) Atrina fragilis Butterfly, Northern Brown Argus Aricia artaxerxes Mussel, Freshwater Pearl Margaritifera margaritifera Newt, Great Crested or Warty (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & Butterfly, Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus (5) only) Triturus cristatus Butterfly, Chalkhill Blue Lysandra coridon Newt, Palmate (re: S.9(5) only) Triturus helveticus Butterfly, Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Newt, Smooth (re: S.9(5) only) Triturus vulgaris Otter, Common (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Lutra Butterfly, Small Blue Cupido minimus lutra Butterfly, Large Copper Lycaena dispar Porpoises (all species but re: S.9(5) only) Cetacea Butterfly, Purple Emperor Apatura iris Sandworm, Lagoon Armandia cirrhosa Sea Fan, Pink (re: S.9(1), 9(2) & 9(5) only) Eunicella Butterfly, Duke of Burgandy Fritillary Hamearis lucina verrucosa Seahorse, Short Snouted (re: England & Wales only) Butterfly, Glanville Fritillary Melitaea cinxia Hippocampus hippocampus Butterfly, Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia / Melitaea Seahorse, Spiny (re: England & Wales only) athalia) Hippocampus guttulatus Butterfly, High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Sea Slug, Lagoon Tenellia adspersa Butterfly, Marsh Fritillary Eurodryas aurinia Shad, Twaite (re: S.9(1) & (4)(a) only) Alosa fallax
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Shark, Angel (re: S.9(1), (2) & (5) only) Squatina Butterfly, Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne squatina Butterfly, Black Hairstreak Strymonidia pruni Shark, Basking Cetorhinus maximus Butterfly, Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Shrimp, Fairy Chirocephalus diaphanus Shrimp, Lagoon Sand (re: S.9(4)(a) only) Gammarus Butterfly, White Letter Hairstreak Stymonida w-album insensiblis Skate, White (re: S.9(1), (2) & (5) only) Rostroraja Butterfly, Large Heath Coenonympha tullia alba Butterfly, Large Blue (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Slow-worm (re: S.9(5) only) Anguis fragilis Maculinea arion Butterfly, Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron Snail, Glutinous Myxas glutinosa Butterfly, Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus Snail, Roman (in re: S.9(1), (2) & (5) only & in palaemon England & Wales only) Helix pomatia Butterfly, Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon Snail, Sandbowl Catinella arenaria Snake, Grass (re: S.9(5) only) Natrix helvetica / Butterfly, Silver Spotted Skipper Hesperia comma Natrix natrix) Snake, Smooth (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Butterfly, Swallowtail Papilio machaon Coronella austriaca Butterfly, Large tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros Spider, Fen Raft Dolomedes plantarius Butterfly, Wood White Leptidea sinapis Spider, Ladybird Eresus niger Cat, Wild (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Felis silverstris Squirrel, Red Sciurus vulgaris Sturgeon (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Acipenser Cicada, New Forest Cicadetta montana sturio Crayfish, Atlantic Stream or White-clawed Toad, Common (re: S.9(5) only) Bufo bufo Austropotamobius pallipes Toad, Natterjack (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Bufo Cricket, Field Gryllus campestris calamita Cricket, Mole Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa Turtle, Flatback Natator depressus Turtle, Green Sea (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Dameselfly, Southern Coenagrion mercuriale Chelonia mydas Turtle, Hawksbill (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Dolphins (re: S.9(4A) & (5) only) Cetacea Eretmochelys imbricata Dormouse (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) only) Muscardinus Turtle, Kemp's Ridley Sea (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) avellanarius only) Lepidochelys kempii Turtle, Leatherback Sea (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) Dragonfly, Norfolk Aeshna Aeshna isosceles only) Dermochelys coriacea Turtle, Loggerhead Sea (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c) & (5) Frog, Common (re: S.9(5) only) Rana temporaria only) Caretta caretta Frog, Pool (Northern Clade) (re: S.9(4)(b) & (c)(1) & in Turtle, Olive Ridley Lepidochelys olivacea England only) Pelophylax lessonae Goby, Couch’s Gobius couchii Vendace Coregonus albula Goby, Giant Gobius cobitis Vole, Water Arvicola terrestris / Arvicola terrestris Grasshopper, Wart-biter Decticus verrucivorus Walrus Odebenus rosmarus Hatchet Shell, Northern Thyasira gouldi Whale (all sp. but re: S.9(4A) & (5) only Cetacea Hydroid, Marine Clavopsella navis Whitefish Coregonus lavaretus Lagoon Worm, Tentacled (re: S.9(4)(a) only) Lagoon Snail, De Folin’s Caecum armoricum Alkmaria romijni Adder (re: S.9(5) only) Vipera berus Schedule 9 – List of Invasive plant species Australian swamp Crassula helmsii Japanese rose Rosa rugosa stonecrop or New Zealand pygmyweed Californian red seaweed Pikea californica Japanese seaweed Sargassum muticum Curly waterweed Lagarosiphon major Laver seaweeds (except Porphyra spp native species)
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Duck potato Sagittaria latifolia Parrot’s-feather Myriophyllum aquaticum Entire-leaved cotoneaster Cotoneaster integrifolius Perfoliate alexanders Smyrnium perfoliatum False Virginia creeper Parthenocissus inserta Pontic rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum Fanwort or Carolina water- Cabomba caroliniana Purple dewplant Disphyma crassifolium shield Few-flowered garlic Allium paradoxum Red algae Grateloupia luxurians Floating pennywort Hydrocotyle Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum ranunculoides × Rhododendron maximum Floating water primrose Ludwigia peploides Small-leaved cotoneaster Cotoneaster microphyllus Giant hogweed Heracleum Three-cornered garlic Allium triquetrum mantegazzianum Giant kelp Macrocystis spp. Variegated yellow Lamiastrum galeobdolon archangel subsp. argentatum Giant knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Giant rhubarb Gunnera tinctoria Wakame Undaria pinnatifida Giant salvinia Salvinia molesta Wall cotoneaster Cotoneaster horizontalis Green seafingers Codium fragile Water fern Azolla filiculoides Himalayan cotoneaster Cotoneaster simonsii Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Hollyberry cotoneaster Cotoneaster bullatus Water lettuce Pistia stratiotes Hooked asparagus Asparagopsis armata Water primrose Ludwigia grandiflora seaweed Hottentot fig Carpobrotus edulis Water primrose Ludwigia uruguayensis Hybrid knotweed Fallopia japonica × Waterweeds Elodea spp. Fallopia sachalinensis Indian (Himalayan) balsam Impatiens glandulifera Yellow azalea Rhododendron luteum Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica Protection of Badgers Act 1992
The main legislation protecting badgers in England and Wales is the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (the 1992 Act). Under the 1992 Act it is an offence to: wilfully kill, injure, take or attempt to kill, injure or take a badger; dig for a badger; interfere with a badger sett by, damaging a sett or any part thereof, destroying a sett, obstructing access to a sett, causing a dog to enter a sett or disturbing a badger while occupying a sett. The 1992 Act defines a badger sett as: “any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a badger”
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
Section 41 (S41) of this Act requires the Secretary of State to publish a list (in consultation with Natural England) of Habitats and Species which are of Principal Importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. The S41 list is used to guide decision-makers such as public bodies including local and regional authorities, in implementing their duty under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal (e.g. planning) functions. The S41 list includes 65 Habitats of Principal Importance and 1,150 Species of Principal Importance.
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Hedgerow Regulations 1997
The Hedgerow Regulations were made under Section 97 of the Environment Act 1995 and came into force in 1997. They introduced new arrangements for local planning authorities in England and Wales to protect important hedgerows in the countryside, by controlling their removal through a system of notification. Important hedgerows are defined by complex assessment criteria, which draw on biodiversity features, historical context and the landscape value of the hedgerow.
Birds of Conservation Concern
This is a review of the status of all birds occurring regularly in the United Kingdom. It is regularly updated and is prepared by leading bird conservation organisations, including the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
The latest report was produced in 2015 (Eaton et al, 2015) and identified 67 red list species, 96 amber species, and 81 green species. The criteria are complex, but generally: Red list species are those that have shown a decline of the breeding population, non- breeding population or breeding range of more than 50% in the last 25 years. Amber list species are those that have shown a decline of the breeding population, non- breeding population or breeding range of between 25% and 50% in the last 25 years. Species that have a UK breeding population of less than 300 or a non-breeding population of less than 900 individuals are also included, together with those whose 50% of the population is localised in 10 sites or fewer and those whose 20% of the European population is found in the UK. Green list species are all regularly occurring species that do not qualify under any of the red or amber criteria are green listed
Global IUCN Red List
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Threatened Species was devised to provide a list of those species that are most at risk of becoming extinct globally. It provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information about threatened taxa around the globe. The system catalogues threatened species into groups of varying levels of threat, which are: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC), Data Deficient (DD), Not Evaluated (NE). Criteria for designation into each of the categories is complex, and consider several principles.
Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP)
Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAP) identify habitat and species conservation priorities at a local level (typically at the County level), and are usually drawn up by a consortium of local Government organisations and conservation charities.
Some LBAP’s may also include Habitat Action Plans (HAP) and/or Species Action Plans (SAP), which are used to guide and inform the local decision making process.
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996
This Act offers protects a form of protection to all wild species of mammals, irrespective of other legislation, and focussed on animal welfare, rather than conservation. Unless covered by one of the exceptions, a person is guilty of an offence if he mutilates, kicks, beats, nails or otherwise impales, stabs, burns, stones, crushes, drowns, drags or asphyxiates any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering. It’s application is typically restricted to preventing deliberate harm to wildlife (in general) during construction works etc.
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Appendix B – Desk Study Data
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Table B1: Records of Notable Bird Species Within 2km of the Site
No. of Common Name Scientific Name Status Records Common Gull Larus canus BoCC Amber List 2 Cuckoo Cuculus canorus BoCC Red List, S41, LBAP 1 Curlew Numenius arquata BoCC Red List, S41, LBAP 3 Dipper Cinclus cinclus BoCC Amber List 1 Dunnock Prunella modularis BoCC Amber List, LBAP 4 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea BoCC Red List 2 Greylag Goose Anser anser Sched 1 (part 2), BoCC 1 Amber List Herring Gull Larus argentatus BoCC Red List 7 House Martin Delichon urbicum BoCC Amber List 2 House Sparrow Passer domesticus BoCC Red List, S41, LBAP 10 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus BoCC Amber List 3 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus BoCC Red List, S41, LBAP 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus BoCC Amber List 1 Linnet Linaria cannabina BoCC Red List, LBAP 2 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos BoCC Amber List 2 Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis BoCC Amber List 3 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus BoCC Red List 2 Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus BoCC Amber List 1 Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus BoCC Amber List 4 Redwing Turdus iliacus Sched 1, BoCC Red List 1 Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus BoCC Amber List, S41, 1 LBAP Skylark Alauda arvensis BoCC Red List, S41, LBAP 3 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos BoCC Red List, LBAP 6 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata BoCC Red List, S41, LBAP 1 Starling Sturnus vulgaris BoCC Red List, LBAP 4 Stock Dove Columba oenas BoCC Amber List 2 Swift Apus apus BoCC Amber List 1 Tree Sparrow Passer montanus BoCC Red List, S41, LBAP 1 Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Annex 1, Sched 1, BoCC 1 Amber List Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus BoCC Amber List 4 Woodcock Scolopax rusticola BoCC Red List 1
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
No. of Common Name Scientific Name Status Records Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella BoCC Red List, S41, LBAP 1 Key: Annex 1: Species listed on Annex 1 of the Eu Birds Directive Sched 1: Birds protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). BoCC Red and Amber Lists: Birds of Conservation Concern 4 (Eaton et al., 2015). S41: Species listed under section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. LBAP: Species listed within the Cumbria Local Biodiversity Action Plan
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
FIGURES
Figure 1 – County Wildlife Site Locations
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre (CBDC): Non-Statutory Sites Search
For: Alistair Blackshaw at WYG N.B. Sites are Centroid: NY 07074 16166 displayed only if Site Name: Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale they exist within Search Buffer: 2km the search area Search Date: 08/08/2017
Kelton Fell Top Kelton Head Quarry Stockhow Hall Quarry Stockhowhall Quarry
Rowrah Hall Quarry
Hunterhow Mire
Salter Woods Salter Wood Croasdale Wood
Ennerdale Water SSSI River Ehen Meadows Longmoor Head Meadow B3 A2 (2) B3 A2 (1B) B3 C4 (1B) ! B3 A2 (1A) Long Moor B3 C4 (1A) Dryhurst Meadows Far Moorend Pasture
Site Boundary Key 0 250 500 1,000 2km Buffer Metre E
County Wildlife Sites Any queries in the first instance contact: Dr Moustafa Eweda Biological Data Officer Local Geological Sites Site of Invertebrate Significance Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre (CBDC)
T. 01228 618770 Special Roadside Verges Ancient Woodland E. [email protected]
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust Contains Ordnance Survey Data Crown copyright and database right 2017 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Appendix C – Target Notes
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Target Description Photograph Note
Small ash tree – negligible bat roost 1 suitability
2 Small stream adjacent to lay-by
3 Species-rich verge
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Appendix D – Landscape Scheme Details
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748
PLANT SPECIFICATION AND SCHEDULES Note: see final page of this document for reference, revision number, document number and date of issue.
Native field hedgerow 198 linear metres Trees All hedgerow plants to be planted in double staggered row, plant in random groups of 7-15 Latin name Form Age Girth Height Root or pot % of Planting No Latin name Form Age Girth Height Root or pot % of Planting No (common name) (cm) (cm) size(L) mix density (common name) (cm) (cm) size(L) mix density Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) Standard 2X 8-10 250-300 BR - as shown 3 Corylus avellana (hazel) Transplant 1U1 - 60-80 BR 5 5 / lin m 50 Aesculus hippocastanum (horse Select 2X 10-12 300-350 BR - as shown 1 Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 BR 40 5 / lin m 400 chestnut) Standard Fagus sylvatica (beech) Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 BR 5 5 / lin m 50 Alnus glutinosa (Common Alder) Standard 2X 8-10 250-300 BR - as shown 2 Ilex aquifolium (holly) - - - 40-60 2L 15 5 / lin m 150 Amelanchier lamarckii (Snowy Feathered 2X - 200-250 BR - as shown 3 Lonicera periclymenum - - - 20-30 2L 5 5 / lin m 50 Mespilus) Prunus padus (bird cherry) Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 5 5 / lin m 50 Betula pendula (Birch) Feathered 2X - 200-250 BR - as shown 3 Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) Branched, 2 1+1 - 40-60 BR 10 5 / lin m 100 breaks Betula utilis var Jaquemontii Select 2X 10-12 300-350 BR - as shown 3 Rosa canina (dog rose) Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 BR 5 5 / lin m 50 (White-stemmed Jacquemontii Standard birch) Sambucus nigra (common elder) Transplant 1U1 - 60-80 BR 5 5 / lin m 50 Fagus sylvatica (Beech) Select St’d 2X 10 - 12 300-350 BR - as shown 1 Vibrunum opulus (guelder rose) Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 5 5 / lin m 50 Fagus sylvatica Purpurea (Copper Select St’d 2X 10 - 12 300-350 BR - as shown 1 Beech) Mixed semi-ornamental hedges 102 linear metres Malus sylvestris (Common Wild Standard 2X 8-10 250-300 BR - as shown 4 Crabapple) All hedgerow plants to be planted in double staggered row, plant in random groups of 7-15 Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) Feathered 2X - 150 – BR - as shown 4 Latin name Form Age Girth Height Root or pot % of Planting No (common name) (cm) (cm) size(L) mix density 175 Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’ - - - 30-40 3L 10 5 / lin m 50 Prunus domestica ‘the Czar’ Standard 2X 8-10 250-300 BR - as shown 1 (Japanese Laurel) (self-fertile Plum) Corylus avellana (hazel) Transplant 1U1 - 60-80 BR 15 5 / lin m 75 Prunus padus (Bird cherry) Select 2X 10-12 300-350 BR - as shown 3 Eleagnus ebbingei ‘Gilt Edge’ - - - 30-40 3L 10 5 / lin m 50 Standard (Eleagnus) Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak) Standard 2X 8-10 250-300 BR - as shown 4 Fagus sylvatica (beech) Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 BR 15 5 / lin m 75 Sorbus aria (Whitebeam) Heavy 3X 12-14 350-425 BR - as shown 5 Griselinia littoralis - - - 40-60 3L 10 5 / lin m 50 Standard Ilex aquifolium (holly) - - - 40-60 2L 10 5 / lin m 50 - as shown 7 Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) Select St’d 2X 10 – 12 300 – BR Prunus lusitanica (Portugese - - - 40-60 3L 10 5 / lin m 50 350 Laurel) - as shown 3 Sorbus aucuparia ‘Streetwise’ Standard 2X 8 – 10 250 – BR Rosa canina (dog rose) Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 BR 10 5 / lin m 50 (Rowan) 300 Vibrunum opulus (guelder rose) Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 10 5 / lin m 50
2 Woodland mix 210 m Mixed-species ornamental hedge 186 linear metres Plant in random groups of 3 to 5 All hedgerow plants to be planted in double staggered row, plant in random groups of 7-15 Latin name Form Age Girth Height Root or pot % of Planting No Latin name Form Age Girth Height Root or pot % of Planting No (common name) (cm) (cm) size(L) mix density (common name) (cm) (cm) size(L) mix density Acer pseudoplatanus Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 CGP 15 0.5 / m 2 15 Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’ - - - 30-40 3L 15 5 / lin m 150 (Japanese Laurel) (Sycamore) Cell grown Eleagnus ebbingei ‘Gilt Edge’ - - - 30-40 3L 15 5 / lin m 150 Alnus glutinosa Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 CGP 10 0.5 / m 2 10 (Eleagnus) (Common Alder) Cell grown Escallonia Donard Radiance - - - 30-40 3L 15 5 / lin m 150 Prunus avium Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 CGP 15 0.5 / m 2 15 (Escallonia) Fagus sylvatica (beech) Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 BR 15 5 / lin m 150 (Wild Cherry) Cell grown Griselinia littoralis - - - 40-60 3L 20 5 / lin m 200 Corylus avellana Transplant 1U1 - 40-60 CGP 10 0.5 / m 2 10 Prunus lusitanica (Portugese - - - 40-60 3L 20 5 / lin m 200 (Common Hazel) Cell grown Laurel) Quercus petraea Transplant 1U1 - 40-60 CGP 20 0.5 / m 2 20 (Sessile Oak) Cell grown Wildflower grass seed mix Salix caprea Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 CGP 10 0.5 / m 2 10 Wildflower species to be selected following detailed soil sampling, Seed to be of local (Cumbrian) provenance. (Goat willow) Cell grown Sorbus aucuparia Transplant 1+1 - 40-60 CGP 20 0.5 / m 2 20 (Rowan) Cell grown
Proposed maintenance regime for first 5 years
Year 1 preparatory work (growing season before winter planting) • Undertake this work outside the bird nesting season • Mark length of hedgerow to be translocated (the part of the hedgerow which would fall within the sight line. Clearly mark any suitable existing specimens within this length (e.g. the ashes) which will form good hedgerow trees in the future.
• Coppice hedgerow to a height of approximately 1.2 m, ensuring that the trees to be retained as
hedgerow trees are left intact. • Trim roots to a depth of 1m and approximately 0.5m clear of sides of hedgerow, with a straight cut, avoiding excavation. This is to encourage a neat, fibrous root zone which will be easy to lift with a toothed excavator bucket. • Mark trimmed hedgerow into approximately 1m lengths, trimming tangled branches as necessary to allow easy lifting of individual 1m long sections.
Year 1 establishment (planting year) • Carry out planting between November and March • Plant trees in prepared pits backfilled with topsoil, fertiliser and soil conditioner, in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations • Lift and immediately replant 1m long sections of hedgerow to be translocated into prepared trench, using a large toothed excavator bucket, to ensure receiving ground does not become compacted, and that root zone is easily lifted. Adapt trench by further digging as necessary to accommodate roots. Take care to protect any retained hedgerow trees within each translocated section. Ensure each
section abuts adjacent ones neatly. • Protect new hedging along garden frontages with chestnut pale fencing to the road-side of hedge • Protect shrubs with shelters and stakes • Support and protect trees with double stakes • Protect hedgerows from cattle with stock proof fence • Sow wildflower areas, grass seed or lay turf on prepared bed during correct climatic conditions, and mow as necessary to achieve thick sward no higher 75mm
Years 1 – 5, each year (maintenance) • Keep grass short around bases of trees with mowing, herbicides and / or mulch mats, as appropriate • Inspect tree ties, stakes and shelters / guards; loosen and remove as necessary with all being removed by year 5. • Trim ornamental and semi-ornamental hedges annually during correct season to obtain a dense, formal shaped hedge of 1.2m ultimate height. • Prune and lay native rural hedgerows as necessary once a year to develop dense, evenly shaped hedgerow • Replace any trees or shrubs which are dead or failing to thrive in the winter of each year • Mow wildflower meadow annually after flowering; allow cuttings to lie on ground for two weeks (so seeds shed) before removing from site
• Mow grass areas indicated as ‘Mown’ as required to ensure sward does not exceed 50mm.
• Water trees, hedgerows, hedges and shrubs if drought conditions occur.
• Inspect and maintain stock proof fencing
Suggested ongoing maintenance operations • grass: keep grass short around bases of trees with regular mowing • hedges : regular trimming to ensure dense, neat shape • hedgerows : regular trimming to ensure dense, neat shape, laying as required
• trees : prune as necessary to maintain good shape and to avoid disease, overcrowding, or
low canopies
• woodland blocks : thin as necessary as trees mature, and; to ensure good conditions for
slow growing and longer lasting specimens which will form a long term backdrop for
development, and setting for wider built up environment.
revision date notes drawing number 04
00 15.01.2018 original drawing name Plant specification & schedule
Project Residential development Land at Kirkland Road Ennerdale Bridge Client Genesis Homes
Eden Environment Ltd www.edenenvironment.com
Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Appendix E – Planting for Wildlife
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Table E1 Shrub species of native origin or generally thought to be beneficial to wildlife
(Source: ‘Gardening with wildlife in mind’, Natural England, 2008)
Common name Scientific name Hazel Corylus avellana Elder Sambucus nigra Goat willow Salix caprea Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Dog rose Rosa canina Butterfly bush Buddleia davidii Guelder rose Viburnum opulus Gorse Ulex europaeus Broom Cytisus scoparius Wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana Shrubby cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa Raspberry Rubus idaeus Alder buckthorn Frangula alnus Wild privet Ligustrum vulgare Barberry Berberis × stenophylla Barberry Berberis vulgaris Bell heather Erica cinerea Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus Black currant Ribes nigrum Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Buckthorn Rhamnus catharticus Butcher’s-broom Ruscus aculeatus Cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus Cowberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea Cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix New Zealand holly Olearia macrodonta Daphne Daphne odora Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Field rose Rosa arvensis Firethorn Pyracanthus angustifolia Flowering Currant Ribes sanguineum Gooseberry Ribes uva-crispa Hebe ‘Midsummer Beauty’ Hebe species Hedgehog Rose Rosa rugosa Himalayan honeysuckle Leycesteria formosa Holly Ilex aquifolium Japanese quince Chaenomeles japonica Lilac Syringa vulgaris Mexican orange Choisya ternata Mezereon Daphne mezereum Midland Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata Oregon Grape Mahonia aquifolium Osier Salix viminalis Portugal laurel Prunus lusitanica Privet Lustrum ovalifolium Purple Willow Salix purpurea
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Common name Scientific name Snowy Mespilus Amelanchier canadensis, Amelanchier lamarckii Spindle Euonymus europaeus Spurge laurel Daphne laureola Sweet briar Rosa rubiginosa Wild privet Ligustrum vulgare
Table E2 Tree species of native origin or generally thought to be beneficial to wildlife
(Source: ‘Gardening with wildlife in mind’, Natural England, 2008)
Common name Scientific name Pedunculate oak Quercus robur Ash Fraxinus excelsior Wych Elms Ulmus glabra Whitebeams Sorbus aria agg. Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Aspen Populus tremula Apple Malus domestica Bird Cherry Prunus pardus Common Alder Alnus glutinosa Crab apple Malus sylvestris Crack Willow Salix fragilis Downy Birch Betula pubescens False Acacia Robinia pseudoacacia Field Maple Acer campestre Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Juniper Juniperus communis Large-leaved lime Tilia platyphyllos Small-leaved lime Tilia cordata Pear Pyrus communis Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Sessile oak Quercus petraea Silver birch Betula pendula Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa Wild Cherry Prunus avium Wild service-tree Sorbus torminalis Yew Taxus baccata
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Table E3 Gardening for bats
Aim at having flowers in bloom throughout the year, including both annuals and herbaceous perennials. Below are some suggestions, but this is not an exhaustive list. Flowering times are approximate, varying dependent on region. Regular dead-heading extends flowering period in many flowers.
A=annual, HA= hardy, annual, HHA=half-hardy annual, P=perennial, W=wild flower.
Flowers for borders St. John’s Wort Hypericum P March Marigolds Calendula H/A March-October Aubrietia Aubrietia deltoidea P March-June Honesty Lunaria rediviva HB March Forget-me-not Myosotis sp. A/P March-May Elephant ears Bergenia P April Wallflowers Erysimum B April-June Cranesbills Geranium sp. P May-September Yarrow Achillea P May- Poppies Papaver sp. A May- July Dames violet Hesperis matronalis P May-August Red Valerian Centranthus rubber P May-Sept Poached egg plant Limnanthes HA June-August Knapweed Centaurea nigra P June-September Phacelia HA June-September Ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare P June-August Evening primrose Oenothera biennis B June-September Candytuft Iberis umbellate HA June-September Sweet William Dianthus barbatus B June-July Blanket flowers Gaillardia P June - Verbena Verbena bonariensis HHA June-October Scabious Knautia arvensis P July-August Night-scented stock Mattiola bicornia HA July-August Pincushion flower Scabious sp. A/P July-September Cherry pie Heliotrope HHA July-October Mexican aster Cosmos sp. A/P July-October Cone flower Rudbeckia sp. A/P August-November Mallow Lavateria sp. P August-October Michaelmas daisy Aster sp. P August-September Ice plant ‘Pink lady’ Sedum spectabile P September Herbs – both leaves and flowers are fragrant Fennel Foeniculum vulgare July-September Bergamont Monarda didyma June-September Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata April-June Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis July-September
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium June-September Borage Borago officinalis May-September Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis March-May Lemon balm Melissa officinalis Coriander Coprianrum sativum June-August Lavenders Lavendula sp. Marjoram Origanum sp. Trees, shrubs and climbers important to insects Oak Quercus sp. large gardens only Silver birch Betula pendula Common alder Alnus glutinosa Suitable for coppicing Hazel Corylus avellana Suitable for coppicing Elder Sambucus nigra Small Goat willow Salix caprea Suitable for coppicing Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Suitable for coppicing Honeysuckle Lonicera sp. Grow a variety for succession Dog rose Rosa canina Climber Bramble Rubus fruticosus Climber Ivy Hedera helix Climber Buddleia Buddleija davidii Shrub Guelder rose Vibernum opulus Shrub Gorse Ulex sp. Shrub Plants for pond edges and marshy areas Purple loosestrife Lytrhum salicaria W June-August Meadow sweet Filipendula ulmaria W June-September Lady’s smock Cardamine pratensis W April-June Water mint Mentha aquatica W July-September Angelica Angelica sylvestris W July-September Hemp agrimony Eupatorium W March-May cannabinum Marsh marigold Caltha palustris W June-September Creeping Jenny Lysimachia W May-August nummularium Fringed water lily Nymphoides peltata W June-September Water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides W June-September Allow part lawns to grow long in summer and cut in autumn, removing the clippings. Avoid using fertilisers. Compost heaps are food producers of insects too.
(Source: ‘Gardening for bats’, Bat Conservation Trust, 2004)
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748 Land Adjacent to Kirkland Road, Ennerdale: Ecological Appraisal
Table E4 Planting to encourage and support badgers
Badger Friendly Plants – Planting to Encourage and Support Badgers
Common Name Botanical Name Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg. Elder Sambucus nigra Apple Pyrus malus Pear Pyrus communis Oak Quercus robur Blackthorn (sloe) Prunus spinosa Bird cherry Prunus padus Wild cherry Prunus avium Crabapple (wild) Malus sylvestris Guelder rose Viburnum opulus Hazel Corylus avellana Holly Ilex aquifolium Mountain ash (rowan) Sorbus aucuparia Plum Prunus cerasifera Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Dog rose (and other native roses) Rosa canina Wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana
Genesis Homes Ltd January 2018 A103748